Public utility vehicles that are at least 15 years old may emit more toxic substances in the air, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-6.
Atty. Jose Mari Lamparero, LTFRB-6 legal counsel, said that DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) is still planning the phasing out of old and dilapidated jeepneys to lessen the harmful emissions from these vehicles.
“Smoke emissions from these jeepneys contribute 20 percent to harmful emissions,” he said.
However, Lamparero clarified that the phase out will be implemented gradually.
“For 2016, it will be voluntary as based on the certificate of registration; for 2017, rules will be created regarding this policy; and 2018 it will be mandatory unless there will be changes in the plan of DOTC,” he explained.
He said that the phasing out of public utility vehicles older than 15 years is in line with modernization plans of the transport-related government agencies.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Administrative Order (AO) 2015-14, signed by Secretary Ramon Paje, which required oil companies to ensure the availability of Euro 4 fuels by July 1, 2015.
As stipulated in the AO, all new vehicles to be used and introduced in the market in 2016 should comply with Euro 4 emission standards.
DENR said the implementation of vehicle emission limits was consistent with Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
Euro 4 fuels contain less sulfur content than Euro 2, and emit less harmful substances in the air. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo).