LTO issues order stopping MVIS for registration

by Romina Cabrera (The Philippine Star), 26 Feb 2021

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued an order stopping the private motor vehicle inspection system or MVIS as a requirement for car registration.

In a memorandum issued by the LTO, the mandatory vehicle testing by private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICs) will be discontinued.

This means that motorists can choose between the new system and the old system, which only requires visual inspection and emission test.

Inspection fees for PMVICs were also reduced to match the rate of the current emission testing.

From P1,500 to P1,800 in inspection fees charged by PMVICs, the amount is reduced to P300 for vehicles for hire, P500 for motorcycles and P600 for other covered vehicles.

Sen. Grace Poe criticized the LTO, saying the agency has yet to formalize Malacañang’s order that would make private motor vehicle inspections optional.

The Department of Transportation denied the allegation, saying the memorandum was issued on Feb. 11.

Although LTO chief Edgar Galvante signed the memorandum on that date, the order was only published at the UP Law Center on Feb. 22.

Following public outrage over the new system, the government was forced to revoke the new requirement for private motor vehicle inspections.

Lawmakers sought the suspension of the private MVIS, saying it is unconstitutional and may become a source of corruption.

Some motorists alleged they were charged many times for failing the vehicle inspection even after passing the roadworthiness tests.

Malacañang issued the directive to revoke the new requirement, saying it did not want to put additional burden on motorists amid the pandemic.