Senator Bam Aquino stressed the need to stiffen penalties for corrupt private emission testing centers (PETC) to help combat the worsening air pollution in the country.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship which he chairs, Aquino discovered that a number of PETCS were sending fake emission results to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

“Using current photo-editing technology such as Photoshop, these corrupt PETCs edit the plate number to make it appear that a vehicle underwent emission testing,” Aquino said.

In the same hearing, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) revealed that if all cars will abide by Clean Air Act standards, air quality in Metro Manila would be in normal range.

“How can we improve the quality of air in the country if these corrupt PETCs continue to exist,” Aquino said, referring to a data that automobiles contribute 80 percent to air pollution in Metro Manila.

Aquino also expressed alarm after it was brought to his attention that erring PETCs only receive a penalty of P30,000 and a 30-day suspension.

“We need to revisit the penalties being imposed by the LTO on PETCs for not doing their job mandated by law,” said Aquino.

Aside from penalties, Aquino also urged the LTO to file falsification of public document charges against owners of erring PETCs for sending fake testing results.

Earlier, Aquino has filed a Senate Resolution 734 to investigate reports that some PETCs engage in illegal activities such as non-appearance scheme or ghost testing of motor vehicles in exchange for additional fees.

The emission compliance certificate is one of the basic requirements of the LTO before a vehicle is processed for renewal registration.

In his resolution, Aquino said illegal activities by some testing centers defeat the purpose of Republic Act 9749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1999 to maintain the quality of air and protect human life from the dangers of air pollution.

Under the Clean Air Act, a National Motor Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program has been established to promote the efficient and safe operation of motor vehicles and ensure the reduction of emissions from motor vehicles.

“It is important to have cars checked properly because the leading cause of diseases in the country has to do with the respiratory system,” he said.