Legarda Seeks Inquiry On Alleged Falsification of Emission Testing Results By LTO

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA SEEKS AN INQUIRY ON THE ALLEGATIONS THAT PUBLIC BUSES ARE NOT PHYSICALLY SUBJECTED TO THE TESTS BY THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AND THEIR OPERATORS ARE BEING ASKED TO MERELY PAY A CERTAIN AMOUNT IN EXCHANGE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION.
Legarda filed P.S. Res. No. 138 asking the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment to conduct a legislative inquiry on selective emission testing because of reports that the LTO has been remiss in its duties.
Legarda revealed,” The alleged falsification of the LTO’s database whereby photos of emission tests have been edited and reused to appear as though vehicles have been inspected have also been reported and supported with evidence.”
Legarda cited Article IV, Section 21 of the Clean Air Act of 1999 which dictates the emission standards for motor vehicles and mandates the DOTC to inspect and monitor the emissions of motor vehicles and Article IV, Section 22 of the Clean Air Act of 1999 mandates that “No motor vehicle registration (MVR) shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission testing requirement promulgated” by the law’
“There is reportedly a selective emission testing of vehicles whereby buses are being tested by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) while private vehicles and other public utility vehicles are being tested in different Private Emission Testing Centers.”
Legarda also called for an assessment of the quality of air of the country.
“Although Metro Manila air is improving, it is still below standards and is still considered unsafe, with EDSA being the most polluted area in the Metropolis.”
Legarda concluded, ” There appears to be an apparent lapse in the LTO’s fulfillment of its mandate under the law, which lessens the impact emission testing should have in improving the condition of air quality in the metropolis.”