FILE

In a decisive move to curb the proliferation of colorum vehicles across the nation, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has bolstered its anti-colorum campaign with a stringent "No Release" policy for impounded vehicles.

This policy, announced by LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, aims to amplify the consequences for illegal operations in the transportation sector.

Assistant Secretary Mendoza emphasized that the entrenched issue of illegal colorum operations demanded a more robust response from the government. "It has been far too long and deeply ingrained, the problem of illegal colorum vehicle operations in our country. We need to impose heavier penalties to demonstrate to those who persist in breaking the law that our government is serious about ending their illicit activities," stated Assec Mendoza.

Transport groups, whose livelihoods have been adversely affected by the presence of colorum vehicles, have welcomed this move. They have long voiced concerns over significant income losses, with reports indicating a daily reduction of up to 30% due to the operation of these unauthorized vehicles.

Colorum vehicles, private vehicles masquerading as public utility vehicles (PUVs) without adhering to legal requirements, have been a persistent issue, primarily in remote areas and provinces. However, recent reports suggest a surge in their numbers in metropolitan areas like Metro Manila and its vicinity.

Highlighting the gravity of the offense, Assec Mendoza reiterated, "It's simple: There are regulations regarding the operation of public utility vehicles. Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes illegal operation, equivalent to committing a crime. Hence, appropriate penalties and fines apply."

Part of these penalties now includes the implementation of a 'no release' policy for all vehicles impounded during anti-colorum operations. As outlined in a memorandum distributed to all LTO units, criminal cases must be promptly filed following successful anti-colorum operations. Failure to do so will result in administrative repercussions.

Furthermore, impounded vehicles will not be released pending the resolution of the criminal case unless accompanied by a court order. Assec Mendoza stressed the importance of preserving impounded vehicles as crucial evidence in these cases, emphasizing that releasing them prematurely would amount to compromising the custody of evidence.

Since assuming office in July last year, Assistant Secretary Mendoza, with the support of transport groups, has spearheaded aggressive anti-colorum operations nationwide. These efforts have led to the apprehension of numerous operators and drivers, along with the impoundment of their vehicles.

The Department of Transportation Secretary, Jaime J. Bautista, has also instructed the LTO to escalate its crackdown on colorum vehicles, responding to the mounting complaints and requests for assistance from transport groups.