Sometimes, there seems to be miscommunication between different agencies in the Philippines. The latest involves the LTFRB and the Department of Justice’s clarification on the former’s jurisdiction when it comes to colorum vehicles. The DOJ has issued a statement and in it, reiterating that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board cannot apprehend nor impound colorum vehicles.
LTFRB has no power to apprehend or impound
What is a colorum vehicle? Simply put, it is a vehicle masquerading as a PUV but does so without a proper Franchise issued by the LTFRB; which makes it illegal. The DOJ’s legal opinion comes after transport groups (Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), National Federation Transport Cooperative (NFTC)) sought clarification from former DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade on the LTFRB’s jurisdiction on apprehension and impounding.
“We advise that LTFRB has no power to apprehend, impound and dispose colorum vehicles. Its authority extends only in the coordination cooperation with other government agencies in the apprehension, impounding and disposal of such vehicles,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Following Executive Order No. 202 which created the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board as well as some administrative issuances, it does not expressly authorize it to apprehend, impound and dispose of colorum vehicles. Despite the DOTr’s issuance of Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01, Remulla clarified the DOJ’s stance, saying, ” [W]e are of the opinion that, unless duly deputized by the LTO (Land Transportation Office) or PNP (Philippine National Police), the LTFRB has no power to enforce the provisions of EO No. 202 and other related laws and hence cannot legally apprehend and impound colorum vehicles.”
After this clarification, we then have to rely on the LTO and all other deputized bodies and enforcers to manage the handling of those who are caught as being colorum. As it is, we think there aren’t too many of them patrolling our streets to identify, more so apprehend and impound those not following the rule of law.
How the DOTr and the rest of the agencies under its wing will address this remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: colorum is a plague that compromises the safety of the public all while being able to break the rules for many years now. Let’s hope the government can finally get rid of them, and fast.
