The LTO is declaring war on colorum vehicles again. This time, the agency wants to beef up its forces with the help of the PNP, the Highway Patrol Group, or HPG, specifically. Together, the aim is to strengthen the carrying out of aggressive campaigns against these public utility vehicles (PUVs) that pose as legal means of public transport for commuters across the country.
Photo: Land Transportation Office
As we can see, the LTO continues its battle against colorum on the streets. Efforts are always being exhausted to eliminate this illegal practice but for the most part, the government has been losing. The LTO under Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II’s leadership wants to turn the tide, though, and has had a streak of successful operations and apprehending the drivers and operators of these vehicles.
“Matagal na itong reklamong ito ng ating mga kapatid sa transport sector kaya tayo ay hihingi ng tulong sa ating PNP upang madagdagan ang ating puwersa para matigil na ang iligal na operasyon ng mga taong nasa likod into [This has long been a complaint from the transport sector so we are asking help from the PNP to strengthen our forces and stop the illegal operation of the people behind this],” said Mendoza.
Photo: Phpt Nueva Ecija
Mendoza was also quoted as saying that the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and the territorial units of the PNP can provide invaluable manpower to further boost the anti-colorum drive amid the aforementioned complaints of the transport groups that they have been losing an estimated 30% of their income from these illegal PUV operations.
Earlier this year, Mendoza ordered all Regional Directors to intensify the campaign against colorum PUVs in their respective areas, which resulted in the apprehension of a number of these illegally utilized vehicles.
Photo: Highway Patrol Group“Habang magiging agresibo ang kampanya natin sa mga colorum na pampublikong sasakyan, titiyakin din natin [While we will be more aggressive in our campaign against colorum PUVs, we will ensure] that this (is) being enforced properly and with integrity on the ground,” Mendoza likewise added.
It’s always been a long-standing question, but again, we’d like to ask you, our readers, do you really think this cooperation between the LTO and the PNP can make a dent in the illegal operation of colorum? If you were put in a position of power and authority, what would you do to help in this effort, and what do you think that those in power now should do to give commuters a safer and legal means of public transport?
