Umayos kayo! LTO warns colorum vehicle operators after filing a case vs van owner, driver
A van owner and his driver are now facing up to 12 years of imprisonment and up to P2 million fine after they were caught using the vehicle as a public utility vehicle without necessary permits from the government.
This, after the Parañaque City Prosecutors Office found sufficient grounds to charge van owner Roberto Salvador and his driver Rocky Cos for operating a colorum vehicle during an operation along Roxas Boulevard in October last year, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the case of violation of Section 18 in relation to Section 24 of the Commonwealth Act 146 as amended by Republic Act 11659 or the Public Service Act against the two stemmed from apprehension of Cos while loading passengers in front of a hotel in Parañaque City.
At the course of the questioning, it was found out that Cos was indeed picking up passengers for Trece Martires City-Parañaque route for P120 each passenger.
The vehicle was then impounded and during the verification, the owner was identified as Salvador. Both of them became the subject of complaints from the LTO.
“This legal battle only encourages us in the LTO to continuously conduct aggressive operations against colorum vehicles. This is for the sake of legitimate transport operators and drivers, and this is for the sake of road safety, especially of the commuters,” said Mendoza.
Transport groups said they are losing 30 percent of their income daily due to operation of colorum vehicles.
Based on the provision that served as basis for the filing of the case, it is unlawful for any individual, association or corporation to engage in any public service business without having first secured the necessary permits.
In this case, Mendoza said the two failed to present any document from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that the van is allowed to be used as a PUV.
“This should serve as a strong message that the LTO will really drag you in court in our efforts to put an end to this colorum activity,” said Mendoza.