CEBU CITY – The Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) defended its recent enforcement actions against riders of Maxim.
LTO-7 Regional Director Glen Galario said the agency is launching a broader crackdown on illegal transport services and is not singling out Maxim riders.
"We are not singling them out. We are only implementing the law," said Galario.
Galario said that only three motorcycle ride-hailing apps are authorized to operate in Cebu under the government's Motorcycle Taxi Pilot Study Program – Move It, Angkas, and Joyride.
"These are the only apps authorized to be part of the pilot study for motorcycle taxis being conducted in Metro Cebu."
Galario’s clarification came after Maxim riders and PISTON Cebu held a protest rally outside the LTO-7 office on N. Bacalso Ave., accusing the agency of selective and unjust enforcement.
He countered that Maxim is only authorized to operate as a delivery service.
When its riders use the app to ferry passengers, they are operating as colorum or illegal motorcycle taxis, a violation of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01, Galario said.
Under JAO 2014-01, apprehended colorum motorcycles are subject to a fine of P6,000 and impoundment for a minimum of three months. The driver's license will also be confiscated.
The LTO-7, acting under the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with guidance from Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, will continue its anti-colorum operations throughout the region, Galario said.