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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ, DOTr form task force vs colorum public utility vehicles

DOJ, DOTr form task force vs colorum public utility vehicles

Published Dec 16, 2025 06:41 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) formed an inter-agency anti-colorum task force that will run after those operating illegal public utility vehicles (PUVs).
The formation of the task force was announced in a joint conference conducted by the DOJ and the DOTr.
“Ang Department of Justice po ay naririto para pagtibayin ang prinsipyo ng rule of law (The DOJ is here to strengthen the principle of the rule of law),” declared Acting DOJ Secretary Fredderic A. Vida during the press conference.
Vida reminded that everyone should follow the laws and warned that violators will face the legal consequences.
Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Deana P. Perez said the task force will be working with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
Perez explained that the inter-agency task force will concentrate more on syndicates and organized groups supporting, facilitating, and helping in the commission of the colorum operations.
Under the Republic Act (RA) 11659, the Public Service Act, Perez warned that violators face imprisonment ranging from six years and one day up to 10 years.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Victor Mendoza II said that a massive information campaign will be launched this month to encourage those in the colorum operations to make their PUVs legal.
Afterwards, Mendoza said an amnesty program will hopefully be launched in January next year to allow them to legitimize their operations.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the creation of the task force was prompted following a meeting with President Marcos last month.
Lopez recounted that, during the meeting, “isa sa mga bilin ng ating Pangulo is to intensify the anti-colorum drive (one of the President’s instructions is to intensify the anti-colorum drive).”
After the meeting, he said he sought the assistance of DOJ Acting Secretary Vida.
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