Abalos warns colorum PUV operators of hefty fines

MANILA, Philippines —Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has warned operators of colorum public utility vehicles of up to P1 million in fines as the government cracks down on unauthorized PUVs.

Abalos said the government is intensifying the campaign against colorum operators to help legitimate PUVs and address traffic problems.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has teamed up with other agencies in going after colorum PUV operators, who may face hefty fines and criminal charges if they are arrested.

The DILG has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the creation of a task force against colorum PUV operators.

Abalos said the manpower of the DILG, DOTr and MMDA would work alongside the Philippine National Police.

He said the move was in response to President Marcos’ directive to solve the issue of colorum operations.

Legitimate PUV operators had complained that they are losing up to 35 percent of their income, according to Abalos.

Between March 12 and April 15, the task force apprehended 56 colorum PUVs and 44 out-of-line units.

The task force will also conduct road clearing operations to enhance traffic management and enforcement in Metro Manila, according to Abalos.

Transport officials said the anti-colorum drive could help ease traffic that is causing economic losses of up to P4.9 billion per day.