In a bid to control air pollution and maintain a healthier environment, a Quezon City councilor is seeking more stringent measures on emission tests for public utility vehicles (PUVs) as mandated in Republic Act No. 8749 also known as the Philippine Clean Air Act.

In a proposed ordinance, Councilor Dorothy Delarmente of the city’s First District said requirements for the emission tests should conform to the policies of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that existing laws on air pollution are followed.

Under Delarmente’s proposal, the city’s Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) will conduct the emission tests of Quezon Citybound PUVs at the garage or terminals of organized transport groups.

It also seeks to amend the Sept. 29, 2008 approved city ordinance no. SP 1996 S-2008 creating and adopting guidelines and procedures on anti-smoke belching for motor vehicles in Quezon City.

Delarmente said the anti-smoke belching unit (ASBU) of the EPWMD may conduct emission tests on any vehicle releasing air pollutants while plying through their routes in Quezon City.

She said the violation of the emission standards may be viewed simply through visual manifestations where thick white, gray or black smoke is released by the illconditioned PUVs.