CCTO told: Go after vehicles emitting dark smokes

CEBU, Philippines — Despite the existence of an ordinance on vehicle emission in Cebu City, it has been observed that vehicles belching black smokes continue to ply city roads.

For this reason, the Cebu City Council is requesting the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) to strictly implement Ordinance No. 2111which provides for vehicle emission policies and penalties.

In his resolution, Councilor Joel Garganera said that despite the number of smoke emission testing centers in the city, public utility vehicles (PUVs) and private-owned cars that emit excessive dark smokes are still around.

Garganera is also asking the CCTO to coordinate with the Department of General Services (DGS) and Cebu City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) to comply with the mandatory emission testing for all government-issued vehicles.

Garganera said that one of the major air pollutant sources are the mobiles and vehicles that emit smoke as they contribute to the formation of greenhouse gases.

“It is a culprit in global warming that leads to climate change, which is dangerous to our health and may trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases,” said Garganera.

Before a vehicle is registered, it is required to pass the emission test conducted by an accredited smoke emission testing center as provided by the the Land Transportation Office (LTO) regulations.

Under the resolution, CCTO is reminded on apprehending smoke belchers or those vehicles that discharge excessive fumes of smoke.

CO 2111, known as the “Vehicle Emissions Control Ordinance of the City of Cebu,” aims to prevent, control and abate the emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles to protect health and welfare of the people in the city, and promote environmental sustainability.

The ordinance, principally authored by Councilor Nestor Archival, sets parameters for regulating emissions of motor vehicles plying the city streets, and imposes corresponding penalties for violations.

Under the law, vehicles spotted and apprehended for smoke belching could be fined between P1,000 and P5,000 depending on the degrees of violation.  JMD (FREEMAN)