LTO implements stricter penalties for colorum vehicles

Starting Tuesday, drivers operating without necessary permits must now present a court order to reclaim their impounded vehicles as part of the Land Transportation Office's (LTO) new policy to combat illegal operations.

The LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, emphasized that stricter penalties are needed to show the government's seriousness in addressing the issue of colorum vehicles, which persist despite existing regulations.

Under the new policy, fines can reach up to PHP200,000 per van and PHP1 million per bus for those involved in anti-colorum operations, according to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation.

Apprehending officers are required to file criminal cases immediately after every successful operation, with non-compliance resulting in administrative liability.

Pending the filing of a criminal case, impounded vehicles will not be released even if fines have been paid, as they serve as evidence.

This policy is part of an ongoing nationwide anti-colorum campaign amid protests by unconsolidated jeepney drivers and operators who are against the government's clampdown on their ranks under the PUV modernization program.