At A Glance
- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended 252 colorum vehicles in June.
- Campaign targets unauthorized public transport nationwide.
- Impounded units require a court order for release.
- Viral posts helped suspend and revoke driver's licenses.
- Commuters warned of risks in riding uninsured colorum vehicles.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) intensified its nationwide campaign against unauthorized public transport in June, which led to the apprehension of 252 colorum vehicles.
Issuing a directive to reinforce ground operations, LTO Executive Director Gregorio G. Pua Jr. said the continued impoundment of colorum vehicles and the filing of court cases reflect the agency’s firm stance against violators.
“It’s just two things: either we are successful in discouraging operators of colorum vehicles from continuing their illegal activity, or they are finding ways to elude arrest,” Pua said, noting that the campaign has been receiving positive feedback from the public.
He also emphasized that impounded vehicles used in colorum operations may only be released through a court order—even if penalties have already been paid—to ensure due process and accountability.
Pua acknowledged the role of netizens in road enforcement, citing viral social media posts that led to the suspension or revocation of several driver’s licenses.
“Netizens play a major role in promoting discipline on the road. We have already suspended and revoked many licenses because of viral posts, and we are grateful for that,” he said, urging the public not to patronize colorum vehicles.
He warned that commuters who ride colorum vehicles are not covered by insurance and face higher risks in the event of accidents.
Legitimate public utility vehicles (PUVs), on the other hand, provide up to ₱400,000 in death benefits and ₱100,000 in injury coverage.
The LTO added that the campaign also aims to support accredited transport operators, who reportedly lose up to 30 percent of their daily income due to competition from colorum vehicles.