Land Transportation Office Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II ordered all regional directors of the agency to intensify the crackdown on colorum vehicles, or those illegally operating public utility vehicles.
The order came following a meeting with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista that focused on more measures to ensure the safety of commuters and other road users.
"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 itong pagtuunan ng pansin as an agency in charge of land transportation safety," said Mendoza.
"I am directing regional and district offices of the LTO to heighten measures and operations against these out-of-line public utility vehicles. Dapat masuyod at tuluyang masawata ang operasyon ng mga colorum na ito sa inyong mga lugar na nasasakupan," he added.
Mendoza explained that the operation of colorum PUV vehicles does not only affect the income of legitimate drivers and operators but also poses a threat to the riding public due to the roadworthiness parameters that are not checked and usually not complied with by those illegally operating them.
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The LTO chief said the anti-colorum operations would cover bus terminals across the country, as well as those illegally operating as school services.
Part of Mendoza's order is for LTO regional directors to coordinate with other government agencies especially the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Philippine National Police, through its Highway Patrol Group and territorial forces.
"We are taking the problem on 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. Hindi basta basta ang kalaban na ating susugpuin dahil sanga-sanga na ang kanilang operasyon kaya't kailangan na natin ng tulong ng ibang ahensya," Mendoza said.
