LTO 6 to implement ban on cars with Freon
Iloilo -- Starting this year, the Land Transportation Office (LTO VI) will deny registration or renewal of license of air-conditioned cars that are still using the prohibited Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) or commonly known as "Freon".
LTO VI Regional Director Gerard Camiņa said that CFCs are chemical substances that when released in the atmosphere causes the depletion of the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is a thin fragile shield that envelops the entire earth. It filters and screens almost all of the harmful ultraviolet rays particularly UV-B radiation.
"To phase out this ozone depleting substances, some 185 countries signed an agreement under the Montreal Protocol to get rid of this harmful substances, and the country is committed to phase out % of CFC consumption by 2005 towards a l00% phase out by 2010," said Director Camiņa during the PIA interview.
Director Camiņa said that they are conducting inspections of vehicles with mobile air conditioners to determine the type of refrigerant used, and also to have basis in improving policies/regulations to phase out CFC in car air conditioners.
Motorists using air-conditioned vehicles with models l999 and above should comply with the law. The law covers both private and public utility vehicles, Camiņa said.
The Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Ozone Depleting Substances is an Administrative Order under RA 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act. The CCO covers the ban; limit; and/or regulate the use, manufacture, import, export, transport processing, storage, possession, and sale of ozone depleting substances that include CFCs.
Camiņa said that the public understands that the law propagates for environmental protection.
So, if your car aircon is using CFC-12 - have it serviced regularly by a trained TESDA-certified technician; have it serviced in DTI-accredited service shops that are equipped with CFC-12 refrigerant recovery and recycling machines; do not recharge the car airconditioner when it leaks, have it thoroughly checked and repaired before refilling; and convert your aircon to an ozone-friendly system. (T.Villavert/PIA)