LTO eyes expansion of inspection facilities

CEBU, Philippines — To strengthen the country’s road-worthiness inspections, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is considering expanding its mobile motor vehicle inspection facilities (MMVIF) and upgrading existing land-based inspection centers, including those in Cebu.

This move follows the public presentation of the country’s first mobile inspection facility by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II. The demonstration highlighted efforts to enhance road safety, particularly for public transportation.

During the demonstration, a bus underwent both visual and machine-based assessments. The inspection covered various safety aspects such as lights, emissions, wheel alignment, brakes, and the speedometer.

According to Mendoza, inspections for heavy-duty vehicles will take approximately 30 minutes—much faster than the traditional manual process that usually takes over an hour.

The system is fully automated, with results recorded in real-time. It is also equipped with CCTV monitoring to ensure transparency and minimize human intervention—an initiative aimed at reducing the risk of corruption.

“All vehicles have to go through the machine,” Mendoza noted, emphasizing that minimal human involvement ensures the integrity of the process.

Three more mobile inspection units are set to be deployed to other regions, including Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

In a press conference streamed live on LTO’s official Facebook page, Mendoza said the agency is considering acquiring additional units if the pilot test yields positive results. He also revealed that of the P250 million in funding secured through the efforts of Valenzuela Representative Eric Martinez, only P120 million was used to produce the first four units—leaving room for more.

“Kung maganda ang result, mas lalo pa nating paramihin ito. Hindi na ito patingin-tingin or visual-visual lang. Makikita nyo naman, pati ilalim ng truck, ng bus ay maiinspeksyon,” Mendoza said.

However, Mendoza clarified that the mobile facilities are intended for fleets of trucks and buses. Private vehicle owners will still need to visit the approximately 120 to 130 private inspection centers nationwide.

“Di na sila pupunta ng LTO para pumila, kami na po ang pupunta sa garahe nila basta’t may lugar, at doon na naming inspeksyunin ang lahat ng bus at truck. Ang habol namin ay fleets,” he added.

For now, the service is free of charge, although Mendoza noted that the LTO may later impose reasonable fees for consumable materials, depending on final cost assessments.

In addition to the mobile units, the LTO is also planning to revive and upgrade government-owned land-based inspection centers. These will cater to heavy equipment inspections and are expected to be implemented in major regions, including Cebu.

“This is true for Manila, Cebu, Davao, and all other major regions. Bubuhayin natin ‘yong mga government-owned motor vehicle inspection centers, depending on which is more cost-effective,” Mendoza said. — (FREEMAN)