PIA Press Release Thursday, January 19, 2012 Gov’t to run after “No-Show” vehicle owners during emission testingby Phres A. Evardone QUEZON CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The government’s inter-agency team is closely monitoring the operation of private emission testing centers (PETC) in the country to ensure the elimination of the so-called “No Show” practice by vehicle owners. Ma. Victoria Abrera, Policy Planning Division Chief of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said in the program Talking Points that this close monitoring is part of the intensified campaign of the Aquino Administration to strictly implement the Clean Air Act to all vehicle owners. Under the Clean Air Act, all vehicles are to undergo and pass emission testing upon registration of their vehicles at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Abrera added that 70 to 80 percent of air pollutants are caused by “mobile sources” or smoke-emitting vehicles. However, Abrera said that the closed-circuit TV cameras they have installed in the major thoroughfare around Metro Manila and their close coordination with other government agencies like Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health and to various PETC owners have considerably helped in lowering the Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) in Metro Manila to 32 percent in November 2011. Based on the latest research conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) this record exceeded the 30 percent target they have set for 2011. (PAE/PIA-GHQ) |