3 auto shops raided in Davao for illegal importation, rebuilding of right-hand vehicles

Authorities raided three auto surplus shops in Davao City for allegedly illegally importing and rebuilding right-hand-drive vehicles.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said initial investigation revealed the surplus shops are not accredited to import, rebuild, or deal in right-hand drive motor vehicles.

LTO said it found employees engaged in rebuilding right-hand drive motor vehicles in the backyard of their premises.

“This is part of our sustained operations since the raid we conducted in Quezon City last month against these kinds of illegal activities. We are conducting an investigation and charges will be filed,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said.

“The importation of right-hand drive motor vehicles is also illegal itself,” he added, citing Republic Act 8506, which has a penalty of imprisonment and a fine of P50,000.

The law states that, “It shall be unlawful for any person to import, cause the importation of, register, cause the registration of, use, or operate any vehicle with its steering wheel right-hand side thereof in any highway, street or road, whether private or public or of the national or local government.”

During the raid on May 21, authorities also impounded about 45 right-hand drive vehicles from the said surplus shops.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News