Emission test anomalies blamed for QC pollution

by Hazel V. Elizes

Irregularities in emission test center operations are being eyed by the Quezon City government as one of the main reasons for the city’s prevailing pollution problems.

Sample dust meter readings
used by ASBU personnel

In the routinely operation of the Anti-Smoke Belching Unit (ASBU) of the QC-Environmental Protection and Waste Management Protection Department (EPWMD) at Visayas Avenue on January 28, 2010, both ASBU employees and apprehended vehicle operators complain of the anomalies in emission test centers.

“Sinasabi sa’min ng mga driver, minsan daw sa mga emission centers hindi pinapa-tapakan ang accelerator,” said Rolando Tomalon, ASBU team leader. “Kung sinusunod yung proseso, edi sana wala kaming naa-apprehend ngayon.”

Tomalon said that they apprehend an average of 45 vehicles a day, where a majority of the vehicles are diesel-powered delivery vans. He said that those who get apprehended are vehicles with dust meter readings that reach more than the average 2.5.

Limited personnel, equipment not an issue

Contrary to the usual problems in a government operation, limited personnel and equipment are not a huge issue when it comes to dealing with QC pollution, according to Tomalon.

“Sa operasyon, ang kailangan na bilang ng tao ay no less than seven, pero kami dito 13, tapos kasama pa yung traffic enforcer na nag-aayos ng traffic pag ganitong nagkakaroon na ng congestion.”

The team uses an opacimeter in monitoring the dust meter readings for the vehicles. “Yung opacimeter, walang problema dyan,” said Tomalon. “Maayos ang takbo nyan at pinapa-calibrate every six months.”

Get the plates, not the licenses – Drivers

"Paraan ng Pag-tubos ng Lisensya"

As punishment, ASBU confiscates the driver’s license of the apprehended vehicle operator who also faces a fine of not less than P1,000.00.

Tomalon said that in RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act, the plates – not the licenses – are supposed to be confiscated. He said that it was modified by the QC government through an ordinance issued when House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte was still mayor.

“Unfair, plate number nalang dapat ang kinukuha, hindi yung lisensya,” said Roger Tala, 32, apprehended truck driver. “Ang sakin kase, okay lang naman ganitong operasyon, kaso kaming mga driver and naaabala dahil lisensya namin ang kinukuha.”

Jeepney drivers avoid Visayas Avenue

Most jeepneys in Metro Manila are diesel-run, and ASBU personnel said they are not surprised with the minimal number of jeepney that passed Visayas Avenue.

“Umiiwas yang mga jeep, lalo na ‘pag nakikita nilang maraming truck na nakapila dahil tine-test namin yung emission,” said Tomalon. “Pag ganitong may operasyon, nati-tipan na siguro yung ibang jeep kaya hindi na dumadaan dito.”

Tomalon even said that they sometimes get complaints from commuters who cannot ride jeepneys heading to Tandang Sora Avenue, because the drivers chose alternative routes.

“Minsan naabala, pero sa totoo lang, mabuti nga sa kanila, kasi illegal yang polusyon na yan,” said Elena Bautista, NBN-4 employee who was waiting for a jeepney. “Okay naman ang ginagawa ng QC government. They’re just doing their job.”