3 impounded PUVs await LTFRB action

CEBU, Philippines —  Three jeepneys impounded by the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue City (TEAM) for allegedly using cloned or duplicate license plates remain in the agency’s impounding area as authorities await further action from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

‎TEAM head Hyll Retuya, in an interview, said the three units were apprehended in August. They were reportedly plying the Compostela-Liloan-Mandaue route.

‎Retuya said TEAM has already submitted its report and the necessary documents to the LTFRB for appropriate action.

‎He said verification of the vehicles’ records showed that their confirmation documents with the LTFRB had already expired.

‎“Ang tulo is naa pa sa impounding area kay we are awaiting for decision with LTFRB,” Retuya said.

‎He said the expired confirmation documents meant the three units were technically operating as colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs).

‎“Technically, ang tulo nga gi-impound karon kay kolurom gyud na,” Retuya said.

The TEAM chief added that the LTFRB would be responsible for dealing with the operators regarding the penalties arising from the violations.

‎"Ang amoa nalang kining mga impounded vehicles kay naa ra ba diri considering that they are totally kolurom PUVs," he said.

‎The drivers, meanwhile, had already been issued Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOPs) by TEAM during last month’s operation.

‎He said the PUV operators already coordinated with TEAM, but the LTFRB would now handle the penalties.

‎Retuya said TEAM’s immediate concern is the three impounded vehicles, which will remain in its custody while awaiting instructions from the LTFRB.

‎“We are awaiting sa LTFRB unsay buhaton,” he said.

‎Retuya said it remains unclear where the alleged cloned plates originated because those apprehended did not cooperate with the investigation.

‎"Unfortunately, dili man sad ni cooperate ang among nadakpan,” he said.

‎He said there are still PUVs allegedly using duplicate or cloned plate numbers.

‎However, Retuya said TEAM has received reports that some of these vehicles have apparently stopped operating following the agency’s intensified enforcement against the scheme.

‎“Daghan pa og colorum vehicles, pero paggawas sa news about sa doble plaka, we received reports nga ang uban wala na nanggawas murag nangahadlok na kay nag-atang naman ang mga personnel,” he said.

‎Retuya said TEAM will continue conducting random operations targeting vehicles suspected of using cloned or duplicate plates.

‎He added that TEAM enforcers have been informed of the plate numbers and vehicle units they need to monitor.

‎Retuya said the agency would continue its monitoring efforts, particularly against vehicles operating along routes where reports of duplicate plates have surfaced.

‎“Dili ko kabalo kung hangtod kanus-a sila magsige og tago-tago, but eventually maabtan ra gyud na namo sila,” he said.

‎Under the current enforcement, Retuya said a TOP issued for the registration violation may involve a penalty of around P10,000 to P12,000.

‎Retuya said the three units are unlikely to be released by TEAM while the LTFRB is still determining the appropriate action on their alleged colorum operation and use of duplicate plates. (CEBU NEWS)