VICOAP downplays possible rigging in PMVIC results

The Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) said that it is impossible to rig the result of an examination in any of its member private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVIC).

In a statement, the organization explained that it is impossible to intentionally fail a member since the nature of the inspection and rendering of the results does not allow it.

VICOAP assured the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region VII based on the group’s operating guidelines, PMVIC offices merely conduct the inspection of vehicles.  The data gathered is then automatically uploaded to the LTO's database where the result is then either tagged as “pass” or “fail” by the LTO, finally resulting in a printed report given to the customer.

Further, the group noted that based on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Memorandum Circular MC-SC-2021-01 issued on March 2, 2021, the PMVIC program is still currently in a transitional period, wherein vehicles need to only pass the visual inspection and emission test for it to be registered. VICOAP added that the remaining 70+ tests, including the brake test, are still conducted but only for recommendatory purposes. 

“The recommendatory nature is explained by the above MC as, allowing for ‘vehicle owners during the transition to familiarize themselves with the system and for additional data gathering of LTO and DOTr to improve regulations on road worthiness.’  VICOAP, more importantly believes, that the conduct of these recommendatory tests will also inform the vehicle owner of any repairs or adjustments needed in the interest of roadworthiness,” the organization said.

The group mentioned both the visual inspection and emission tests conducted are monitored and validated through photos and high-resolution videos taken from strategically-positioned cameras to record the entire process. These are archived at the LTO central office for future reference.

Moreover, the association cited that all PMVIC do not charge a fee for any re-examination.  Per VICOAP, its members have been complying with the aforementioned directive, which has been in effect since December 3, 2021.

Furthermore, VICOAP guaranteed that none of its members are engaged in the selling of insurance or so-called packages, “much less preclude customers from inspections if these are not availed of.”

“We welcome any investigation by the Regional and Central Office of the LTO, and are prepared to showcase the integrity of our operation,” the group said, inviting Region 7 LTO Director Victor Caindec to a dialogue “with the hope that he may be familiarized with the policies of PMVIC inspection.”

Photos from Inigo Larrazabal, Vicoap – Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines

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