DOTr apprehends colorum vehicles, 2M in fines collected

More than Php 2 million in fines were collected yesterday, May 20, by the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) imposed on illegal and unregistered vehicles.

According to Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista , the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTO, and LTFRB are working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) towards apprehending colorum PUVs.

“Ang LTO, LTFRB and in coordination with PNP and MMDA—ready kami manghuli ng colorum, (The LTO, LTFRB, in coordination with PNP and MMDA are ready to apprehend colorum vehicles,”) Mr. Bautista stated.

Indicated in the Anti-Colorum program spearheaded by DOTr-SAICT, illegal van operators could face a P200,000 fine, while a P1 million penalty for illicit buses.

By imposing such policies, the government is “showcasing steadfast dedication to ensuring road safety for all,” the department added.

Aside from vans and buses, after the 15-day grace period given last April 30, traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that failed to consolidate with the modernization program (PUVMP) were barred from plying their routes.

Since the deadline, over 10,000 unauthorized jeepney units nationwide , including 1,900 units in Metro Manila , were deemed illegal due to expired franchises. Apprehended jeepneys would result in a P50,000 fine for the operator, one-year suspension for the driver, and vehicle impound for 30 days at Pampanga, LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III mentioned.

“We can now flag down and we can apprehend drivers or vehicles because the grace period we had given them had already lapsed so that those that were unconsolidated can no longer travel,” Mr. Guadiz said.

As of May 16, around 81%, or approximately 160,000 units , have consolidated with the government’s modernization program. – Almira Louise S. Martinez