Almost half of the total number of vehicles flagged to undergo the random roadside smoke emission tests from January to March this year have failed the assessment.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Environmental Management Division reported that 172 of the 378 vehicles tested, 206 failed and 172 passed.
A total of 399 were flagged and 21 were not tested.
Of the number, 72 were public utility jeepneys, 68 were private vehicles, 31 taxi cabs and one bus.
In 2025, there were 1,254 vehicles flagged and 1,195 were tested. Of those tested, 675 failed and 520 passed.
The random testing is a year-round program of the RITMT.
The tests are done in undisclosed locations where vehicles are randomly flagged down for testing and those that fail the test are issued citation tickets and provided advice for corrective measures.
Vehicles subject for testing will only be given two chances and if they still fail on the second test, then they will be required to secure another volunteer testing fee to cover the testing expense.
A Certification of Voluntary Testing (CVT) is issued for passers but they will also be required to maintain their vehicles. They will be exempted from roadside testing for two months except for those that will continue to emit excessive smoke.
Vehicles issued a warning will only be given seven days to repair, tune up or do preventive maintenance and non-compliance will mean automatic apprehension.
To support the campaign against smoke belchers, the CEPMO reminded barangay officials to help by flagging down vehicles passing by their jurisdictions and visibly emitting excessive smoke and reminding them to have their engines checked.
The public is also reminded to report smoke belching vehicles to CEPMO cel no. 09176225435. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
