NAIA colorum crackdown nets P3.6 M

MANILA, Philippines — A total of P3.6 million in additional revenue for the government will be collected from 30 colorum vehicles that were apprehended by authorities in a month-long anti-colorum operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The colorum vehicles comprised 14 regular taxis that were impounded at the old Nayong Pilipino, two Grab vehicles that were turned over to the LTFRB, one Grab vehicle that was issued an ordinance violation receipt and nine private vehicles that were turned over to the Land Transportation Office.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal yesterday said operators of the colorum vehicles will be ordered to pay a minimum fine of P120,000 each.

 “There will be a process. If found guilty after the investigation, owners and operators of these vehicles will be slapped with the fine. The proceeds will go to the LTFRB,” Monreal told reporters during a press briefing.

Monreal cited the help of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) operatives for the successful crackdown from Aug. 9 to Sept. 5, which was made possible by a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between MIAA and LTFRB signed last Aug. 8.

He added that apart from colorum vehicles, the MIAA police department and LTFRB personnel also apprehended 420 other motorists for various offenses.

Monreal said the MOA aimed to curb colorum vehicles operating and to improve public transport services at the country’s premier airport by strictly implementing national traffic management rules and regulations.

Instead of the usual P1,000 fine, colorum operators will be meted fines ranging from P120,000 to P200,000.