The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the direction of Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, has ordered the immediate and aggressive escalation of its nationwide campaign against illegal, unregistered ‘colorum’ motor vehicles. This mandate comes in direct response to a directive from Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez to intensify the campaign across all regions.
Asec. Mendoza has instructed all LTO Regional Directors to ensure the regular conduct of visibility and special operations in their areas of responsibility. He also stressed the critical need for advanced intelligence-gathering to identify vehicles and typical routes used by colorum operators.
“Illegal colorum operations have evolved due to the successful apprehensions over the past two years,” said Asec. Mendoza. “We in the LTO should always be one step ahead of them to ensure that they will be busted.”
The intensified campaign will be marked by a strict zero-tolerance enforcement policy. Asec. Mendoza has issued a clear order to all Regional Directors concerning apprehended violators:
Mandatory Filing of Criminal Cases: All apprehended individuals and operators will face mandatory filing of criminal charges.
Impoundment Policy: Impounded motor vehicles used in illegal operations will only be released via a court order, even if the mandated fines are paid.
This strict stance is backed by existing law, which includes penalties for convicted colorum operators of up to P1 million in fines and imprisonment. The LTO cites the recent conviction of a colorum van operator by an Iloilo City court as a firm precedent.
The LTO’s renewed vigor is also a response to the devastating economic impact on the legitimate transportation sector. Transport groups have previously reported losing up to 30% of their daily income due to unfair competition from colorum vehicles.
“The effect of these colorum vehicles on legitimate transport operators is substantial. We assure our friends in the transport sector of sustained operations to protect their livelihood,” Asec. Mendoza stated.
In an effort to inject “new life” into the drive, Asec. Mendoza recently initiated a revamp of district office heads following a noted decline in monthly apprehensions. Hundreds of colorum motor vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to vans, are apprehended by the LTO every month.
Asec. Mendoza also issued a strong warning to the public against patronizing these illegal vehicles, citing critical roadworthiness and insurance issues. Colorum vehicles typically lack passenger insurance, leaving commuters to shoulder all medical expenses in the event of a road crash.
“Instead of riding, let’s report colorum vehicles via our hotline and social media accounts. Netizens can send photos and videos to us, and we will take it from there,” Asec. Mendoza concluded, urging public cooperation in the campaign.
