The Land Transportation Office (LTO) called for a nationwide clampdown against illicitly operating public utility vehicles (PUVs), otherwise known as “colorum” PUVs.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said that the order was issued to regional directors of LTO after the meeting with DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.
Said to be a longstanding problem, Mendoza claims that “attention and sustained operations” are key to ensuring that only those with permits are allowed to operate.
Mendoza is fixated against colorum vehicles as it concerns the public motorists’ safety on the road, citing how they are neither roadworthy nor compliant with all necessary government regulations.
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To completely eradicate out-of-line public utility vehicles, Mendoza is calling directly to LTO’s various regional and district offices for heightened measures and operations.
Apart from security concerns, Mendoza also said that colorum PUVs negatively influence the income of legitimate PUV operators and drivers.
As part of the campaign, the LTO will be covering bus terminals all over the Philippines in addition to vehicles for school services.
In reinforcing its drive against colorum PUVs, the LTO is teaming up with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police–High Patrol Group and other territorial forces.
Mendoza rationalized the partnership with the other agencies with a claim that the enemies are not only small in magnitude but also branched out, which requires suppressing. Hence, a need for the aid.