AS recent road crashes renew national concern about road safety, the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) brought together members of the local motoring media in a roundtable discussion dubbed “Driving the Future: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at VICOAP and PMVICs.”
VICOAP extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by recent road crashes. These tragedies soberly remind us that we all share responsibility for every Filipino's road safety, and prevention must be our priority.
The roundtable, held in observance of Road Safety Month this May, highlighted VICOAP’s continued advocacy for vehicle inspection as a cornerstone of proactive road safety.
Road crashes in the Philippines kill more than 13,000 people annually. While many factors are at play, roadworthiness is one we can actively manage, starting with thorough and consistent vehicle inspections,” said Atty. Lester Cavestany, VICOAP Spokesperson. ‘Our goal is to raise awareness that inspections aren’t just a requirement – they’re a tool to save lives.”
Founded in 2020 to support the Department of Transportation’s road safety strategy, VICOAP is a non-profit organization composed of accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) and industry stakeholders. Today, over 130 PMVICs operate nationwide – 80 of which are VICOAP members – collectively servicing more than 2 million vehicles a year.
At the event, VICOAP provided an inside look at the automated and globally benchmarked 60+ point inspection process, which covers critical safety systems such as:
- Brake Integrity
- Headlight and lighting function
- Suspension and sideslip (wheel alignment)
- Speedometer accuracy
- Emission levels
Data from 2024 revealed key risks that inspections help identify:
- 45.1% of vehicles failed brake tests
- 37.3% had defective headlights
- 9.2% failed alignment (sideslip) tests
- 5.3% had speedometer issues
- 3.1% did not pass the emission standards
“These numbers aren’t just statistics. They‘re early warnings that, if ignored, could result in preventable accidents,” said Atty. Lester. “Our data helps inform policy and educate the public about recurring risks on our roads.
VICOAP emphasized that PMVIC’s use of fully automated systems ensures fairness, accuracy, and integrity, removing human discretion from the inspection process. These systems also contribute to valuable datasets that help identify broader road safety trends across the country.
While VICOAP does not regulate or enforce inspection policy, it plays a vital role in supporting science-based standards and educating the public on vehicle safety. Through ongoing dialogue with the government, the transport sector, and the media, VICOAP aims to help build a culture of prevention and accountability on the road.
“Road safety doesn’t begin when we buckle our seatbelts. It starts before the engine even turns on.” Atty. Lester added. “This is the message we hope to drive forward—with urgency, compassion, and credibility.”
Through the organization’s initiative, VICOAP reaffirms its commitment to being an ally in the movement toward safer Philippine roads—by making science-backed, data-driven vehicle inspections a tool not of burden, but of protection.
About VICOAP
The Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) is a private non-profit organization committed to ensuring road safety and environmental compliance by promoting standardized and comprehensive vehicle inspections across the Philippines. VICOAP supports the Department of Transportation’s Road Safety Action Plan by enhancing road safety and ensuring that PMVICs conduct thorough vehicle inspections exceeding emissions testing. In collaboration with the DOTr, LTO, and the Philippine government, VICOAP strictly enforces guidelines to deter fixers and ensure that all vehicles undergo proper inspection, thereby positioning PMVICs as an essential solution for ensuring roadworthy vehicles and the safety of all road users.
