DOTr threatens to revoke permits of erring emission testing centers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will suspend and revoke the permits of erring emission testing centers as the agency continues to see a rising number of violators.

In a statement yesterday, the DOTr said numerous PETCs nationwide have been found committing violations ranging from having no testing probes, no testing machines, to the non-appearance of vehicles for testing or falsification of test results.

For this month alone, the DOTr said there were already 86 PETCs that have been found committing violations, almost the same number of violators recorded last year.

These erring testing centers have paid a sum of P9.99 million in penalties.

Last year, the agency was able to collect P10.89 million worth of fines from 89 erring PETCs nationwide.

This was a significant increase from the P450,000 in fines collected from six PETCs in 2018, and P90,000 in fines from three PETCs in 2017.

The fines collected are remitted to the national coffers.

“This increasing number of violators is a clear manifestation of their defiance to the law. Your accreditation as emission testing center is just a privilege given to you by the government. Do not wait for us to issue suspension orders or revocation of your permits to operate,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.