LTO flags 353 unauthorized vehicles

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 353 unauthorized vehicles were impounded by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) following its intensified nationwide campaign against illegal public transport operations during its One-Time Big-Time (OTBT) anti-colorum operation conducted from February 9 to 11, 2026.

Of the 353, 107 vehicles were physically impounded, while 246 were placed under technical impoundment.

Region IV-A recorded the highest number of impoundments with 140, followed by Region II with 46, Region X with 34, and the National Capital Region with 29.

Meanwhile, the Negros Island Region (NIR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Region XII reported zero cases.

For 2026, the LTO has impounded a cumulative total of 37 vehicles—18 in January and 19 in February—including 34 buses.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said in a statement that the operation is part of the agency’s continued efforts to ensure passenger safety and maintain fairness among transport operators.

“Colorum vehicles risk passenger safety, bypass regulations, and disadvantage compliant operators. We commend our personnel and ask the public to use only authorized transport. We will keep working to create a safer, more orderly system,” Lacanilao said.

He added that appropriate actions against the operators and vehicles apprehended will proceed in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Renovation and improvement

Meanwhile, the LTO is also prioritizing the renovation and improvement of its offices in Central Visayas as part of its efforts to make public transactions more efficient and convenient.

This was announced by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao at a press conference on February 11 during his visit to the Region 7 office.

Lacanilao said his visit was brief but purposeful, as he personally inspected several LTO offices amid reports that some facilities have long been neglected.

“Although very limited ang time ko, ang purpose ko talaga ay maayos ang mga LTO offices natin,” Lacanilao said.

“May mga reports sa akin na may mga opisina na napabayaan na at kailangan na talagang maisaayos para maging convenient sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

He said improving office conditions is essential, particularly in regions like Central Visayas, where many citizens regularly transact with the agency for vehicle registration, driver’s license applications, and other regulatory services.

Although his inspection in the region was not comprehensive, Lacanilao said he plans to return to ensure that all LTO offices in Region 7 are thoroughly assessed.

He added that similar inspections are being conducted nationwide but emphasized the importance of Central Visayas due to the large volume of LTO clients in the region.

Lacanilao also announced that the LTO will further tighten its policies against drunk driving, including the revision of the Joint Administrative Order on road safety, starting next month.  — Meg Nathalie Valeros, UP MassCom Intern/IHM (FREEMAN)