COLORUM DRIVERS. This undated montage photo shows the drivers of two colorum vehicles apprehended separately in Laguna province. Charges were filed against them under the Land Transportation Office's intensified anti-colorum drive. (Photo courtesy of LTO-Calabarzon)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Calabarzon has ramped up efforts against colorum vehicles by implementing the "No Registration No Travel Policy" across the region.
Elmer Decena, LTO-Calabarzon director, told reporters on Thursday that aside from impounding colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs), the agency is serious about initiating legal actions against their operators and drivers.
"We are dedicated to enforcing stringent measures consistently," he said.
Decena said the LTO’s new policy already saw charges being filed against the drivers of two colorum vehicles.
On June 17, 2024, a van was intercepted at the Turbina exit while transporting passengers from Taguig to Barangay Pansol in this city without the necessary Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) required for public transportation.
Upon identifying the violation, enforcers issued a Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP) and subsequently handed over the case to the local police station for further action.
The driver faces charges under Section 18 of Commonwealth Act 146, as amended by Republic Act 11659, concerning the Public Service Act while his vehicle remains impounded pending court orders, Decena said.
On June 14, a Nissan NV350 was stopped in Los Baños, Laguna, carrying passengers without a valid franchise for operation.
Passengers paid PHP500 each for the journey from Real, Quezon to Calamba City.
The driver has been detained at the Los Baños Laguna Police Station, while his vehicle was impounded under charges stipulated by Commonwealth Act 146, as amended by Republic Act 11659.
Decena warned operators and drivers of colorum PUVs that LTO-Calabarzon’s "intensified efforts against their illegal operations will continue without let up." (PNA)
