9 vehicles apprehended in anti-colorum campaign
CEBU, Philippines — A total of nine colorum vehicles, including two mini buses, were impounded by the Regional Highway Patrol Group in Central Visayas (RHPG-7) since it launched the anti-colorum operations late last month.
Police Senior Superintendent Norberto Babagay, RHPG – 7 director, said most of the impounded vehicles did not have a valid franchise. One minibus was found to have a tampered chassis number.
“Based sa experience natin dito ay mahirap i-release ang ganito, kasi tampered iyong chassis,” said Babagay.
The other vehicles apprehended for operating as public transport without a valid franchise will be issued with Inspection Report Summon (IRS) by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-7).
“Sila na ang mag-uusap diyan kung ano ang babayaran, magkano ang penalty, kung meron silang ilabas na release order ay ire-release namin to. Ang LTFRB ang may hawak kasi sila ang nag-release ng franchise,” Babagay explained.
He warned transport operators to ensure that their units have valid franchises because the RHPG-7 is very serious in the campaign against colorum vehicles. A vehicle, van or bus, is considered colorum once it is used as public transportation without a franchise.
“Ang sa akin lang ay sumunod tayo sa batas. May proseso. Kung susunod tayo sa batas ay walang problema. Of course hindi naman bawal bumili ng sasakyan pero huwag naman nating gamitin pampubliko kung wala naman tayong kaukulang papeles para gamiting pampasaheroang sasakyan,” said Babagay.
Aside from discouraging vehicle owners and operators to get involved in colorum business, Babagay urged the public not to patronize colorum vehicles for transportation.
“Mahirap po iyan in case of accident wala tayong maasahan. Avoid na sumakay tayo sa mga colorum na van or bus. Unang-una, hahanapin agad natin kung sino ang mananagot kung wala naman kakayahan ang may-ari, eh insurance. Eh, paano magkaroon ng insurance kung colorum?” Babagay said.
He said that the public should be aware that legitimate transport services have the names of operators on it, sporting yellow plate numbers, and have LTFRB hotlines on the body. — FPL (FREEMAN)
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