Amid rising complaints about the integrity of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) in the city of San Fernando, La Union, its city council has passed a resolution to suspend the operations of local PMVIC within its city limits.
“The Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) unanimously approved the passing of a resolution suspending the operation of the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in the City of San Fernando, La Union.
The city held a committee meeting on Transportation and Traffic Management session led by vice mayor, Alf Ortega, and was attended by representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The council unanimously suspended the PMVIC for several reasons. First, it noted the inspection and re-inspection fees for motor vehicles set by the PMVICs add to the heavy burden already being experienced by everyone on account of the prevailing health emergency.
Second, the PMVIC based in the city may have violated Section 19 of the LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2018-2158, which provides that the complaints and feedback of customers should be monitored and analyzed. In addition, the contents of the LTO’s Quality Management Procedure Manual should be observed in Handling Client’s complaints related to the implementation of the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS).
Finally, pursuant to the General Welfare clause of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code), the City Government must ascertain and ensure that the PMVIC is qualified, has the required equipment and facilities, has qualified and properly trained technical personnel, has complied with all relevant laws and rules, has proper authorization from the LTO, and has observed relevant local ordinances. Thus, the concerned officials and personnel of the City Government need time to check and observe the facilities’ operations and personnel of the PMVIC to ensure that they are able and ready to efficiently deliver the service that owners of private vehicles deserve and pay for.
While we have yet to get a published copy of the resolution, it looks that the suspension order is valid “until further notice”.
A PMVIC is a center where a vehicle will be inspected based on the new Motor Vehicle Inspection System (PMVIS), which is now being implemented in other regions of the country.
