Lawmaker wants emission suspended as vehicle registration requirement

Rufus Rodriguez

A lawmaker at the House of Representatives is seeking to suspend emission testing as part of vehicle registration requirements until the end of this year.

Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez recently filed House Resolution 1007, saying that the emission requirement needs to be suspended citing COVID-19-related reasons.

Based on the Republic Act 8749 (also known as Philippine Clean Air Act), the department “shall implement the emission standards for motor vehicles set pursuant to and as provided in this Act. To further improve the emission standards, the Department shall review, revise and publish the standards every two (2) years, or as the need arises. It shall consider the maximum limits for all major pollutants to ensure substantial improvement in air quality for the health, safety and welfare of the general public;

According to Section 22 of the said act, "No motor vehicle registration (MVR) shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission testing requirement promulgated in accordance with this Act. Such testing shall be conducted by the DOTC or its authorized inspection centers within sixty (60) days prior to date of registration."

Edsa traffic

However, Rodriguez said that there are long queues at emission testing centers following the lockdown and travel restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“WHEREAS, this lines and delays result in, most of the time, violations of social distancing protocols which could eventually lead to a possible increase in COVID-19 cases,” Rodriguez explained.

He cited that in Cagayan de Oro City, “complaints have been piling up” as vehicle owners have to line up very early in the morning in order to get a number. These owners have been waiting for around 4-5 hours.

“And then they wait until their number is called and they will be given an appointment for their emissions test which is at least two weeks away,” the lawmaker lamented.

Further, Rodriguez said that the suspension of emission requirements will provide ample time for the department and the Land Transportation Office (LTO)” to look into the numerous complaints and allegations of impropriety against PETCs all over the country.”

Earlier, owners of private emission testing centers (PETC) filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against DOTr Undersecretary for Administrative Services, Artemio Tuazon Jr. f or allegedly closing and revoking permits of PETCs illegally.

The agency defended Tuazon ,saying, it is one of the challenges for the government to " to fix the system of emission testing in the country" when there are PETCs  that are "riddled with corruption".

Photo/s from Rufus Rodriguez Facebook Page

Also read:

LTO caps off allowed emission tests by PETCs at 120 per day

Everything you need to know about vehicle emission testing in the Philippines

PETC operation extended after positive case of COVID-19 in DOTr-Clark Office

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Aston Martin presents new Vantage S, makes 670 hp
    Aston Martin presents new Vantage S, makes 670 hp
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    ‘BMW Joy in Motion’ to showcase i5 eDrive40, X7 xDrive40d Pure Excellence
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Jetour Auto PH showcases T2 with community meet-up
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Toyota’s ‘Rainy Season Deals’ eyed to brighten up Jul.
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    LMI confirms Dongfeng E70 Pro arrival
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025