LTO declares all-out war against colorum PUVs

To say that the Land Transportation Office is dealing with plenty of problems is an understatement. With the agency unable to supply the public with plastic cards at the moment, as well as the fact that they still have a huge backlog of plates to deliver, the LTO has its hands full.

But despite the mounting problems the LTO is facing, the government agency recently declared an all-out war against colorum (AKA out-of-line) vehicles that illegally operate in the country. Recently, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza III said that he has ordered all regional directors of the agency to intensify the campaign against PUVs that operate illegally.

“This has long been a problem that requires attention and sustained operations to ensure that only those granted with permits could operate. Buhay ng mga mananakay ang nakataya dito kaya dapat natin intong pagtuunan ng pansin as an agency in charge of land transportation safety,” said Mendoza.

[This has long been a problem that requires attention and sustained operations to ensure that only those granted with permits can operate. The lives of the passengers are at stake here, so we should focus on this as an agency in charge of land transportation safety]

Mendoza shared that not only do colorum vehicles affect the income of legitimate PUV drivers & operators, but out-of-line PUVs also pose a danger to the riding public as the vehicles they're using may not be safe to operate, to begin with.

“I am directing regional and district offices of the LTO to heighten measures and operations against these out-of-line public utility vehicles. The operation of these colorums in your areas of jurisdiction must be monitored and completely suppressed,” added Mendoza.

Part of Mendoza's order to rid the streets of colorum vehicles is that LTO regional directors must work together with other agencies like the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).

“We are taking the problem of colorum very seriously. That is why we will partner with other government agencies so that we can once and for all stop their illegal operations. This enemy is not to be trifled with because their operations have branched out so we need the help of other agencies,” stressed Mendoza.

We surely hope the LTO will be able to help rid the streets of colorum vehicles. However, the LTO should also focus on delivering the backlog of plates, as well as ensuring that there will be plastic cards available for motorists when they apply or renew.