LTO-7 files criminal case vs colorum van operator

CEBU, Philippines — As a way to send a message to vehicle drivers and owners of its intensified anti-colorum campaign,

the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 has filed a criminal complaint against individuals caught a few months back operating a private van for public use without a permit.

The filing of the complaint marks an important step in the agency's efforts to combat illegal transportation operations in the region, says LTO-7 Regional Director Glen Galario.

Galario said that the case they filed is just the beginning, as the agency plans to file criminal cases against four more colorum vehicles in the coming weeks.

The criminal case has been filed with the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office, citing violations of Section 18 in relation to Section 24 of Commonwealth Act 146, as amended by Republic Act 11659, also known as the Public Service Act.

Due to data privacy considerations, LTO-7 is withholding the names of the individuals involved.

Should the court rule in favor of the agency, the penalties include a fine not exceeding P2 million, imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to 12 years, or both, at the court's discretion.

Galario said that in July 2024, LTO-7's Regional Law Enforcement Officer intercepted a fully loaded passenger van early in the morning at the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

Upon apprehension, the driver presented his driver s license together with the vehicle's official receipt and certification of registration (OR/CR) but failed to show a certificate of public convenience (CPC), which is a legal authorization granted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to individuals or entities operating as public transportation services.

Initially, the owner of the van was fined with P200,000 for operating a colorum vehicle and the vehicle was impounded for three months.

Our ongoing anti-colorum operations demonstrate LTO's commitment to road safety and fair competition in the transport sector. We urge all PUV operators to ensure they have proper documentation and authorization to avoid similar legal consequences," said Galario in a statement.

Galario also noted that this crackdown on colorum vehicles aligns with the directives of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, highlighting the agency's intensified anti-colorum campaign nationwide.

LTO-7 remains committed to ensuring the safety of commuters and maintaining order in the public transportation sector, Galario added. (CEBU NEWS)