800 PUVs caught in drive vs. road-unworthy public transport

PUVs should undergo five stages of inspection at the MVIS center of the Land Transportation Office, among them the testing of brakes, suspension, speedometer, and headlights.
(Photo by Patrickroque01 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA — The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) has apprehended 800 public utility vehicles since its “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” campaign to flag down road-unworthy public transport vehicles was launched last Jan. 8, in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“Since Jan. 8, we have so far flagged down, apprehended, and issued summons to around 800 motorists for various violations, ranging from smoke belching, defective parts, worn-out tires, no seatbelt and others,” I-ACT communications head Elmer Argano said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday.

“For those summoned, they will have to undergo the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS). For those who fail, they will be penalized but will be given a chance to rectify their deficiencies,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will soon acquire 26 mobile MVIS units that will determine the roadworthiness of PUVs.

PUVs should undergo five stages of inspection at the MVIS center of the Land Transportation Office, among them the testing of brakes, suspension, speedometer, and headlights.

“Kung maayos ang sasakyan mo, wala ka dapat ikatakot. Kung bulok ka, doon matakot ka (If your PUV is well-maintained, there is nothing to be afraid of. However, if it is dilapidated, you must fear the consequences),” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the demonstration of the MVIS prototype at the LTO main compound in Quezon City last Thursday.

The LTO recently rehabilitated two of the four MVIS lanes at the North MVIC. Two other MVIS lanes were also restored at the South MVIC.