You may have to present a copy of your motorcycle’s official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR) the next time you have it repaired.
The Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP) recently warned motor vehicle shop owners that they could be liable for aiding criminals harbor or traffic stolen vehicles.
According to Police Colonel Bernard Pelaez, Regional Chief of PNP-HPG in Daet, Camarines Norte, any vehicle owner that wishes to have their cars fixed or worked on will need to show its OR/CR to prove that the car is not stolen. Pelaez said that there are times that shop owners did not know that the vehicle they were repairing was actually carjacked or under alarm by the PNP-HPG.
While this step is currently not required by law, it may help shop owners determine the ownership of the vehicle and possibly decline the customer if they believe the paperwork is problematic.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979, and the Anti-Carnapping Act, a car shop owner that repairs stolen vehicle can be charged in aiding criminals that brought stolen cars to be repaired.
Should a motor vehicle shop owner be found guilty of aiding a criminal harbor or traffic a stolen vehicle, they can face penalties under the Revised Penal Code. Fencing penalties will be based on a motor vehicle shop's property value.
This may come as an extra hassle, both for shop owners and vehicle owners, especially for motorcycles that have not had their ownership papers transferred just yet. Nonetheless, it’s a simple measure that can keep both parties out of trouble. And with the Doble Plaka Law’s strict change of ownership provision, it shouldn’t be a problem.
