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LTFRB to intensify ‘anti-colorum’ ops

January 24, 2023 Jun I. Legaspi 419 views

LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III instructed the agency’s regional directors to intensify anti-colorum operations in their respective jurisdictions.

Records from the LTFRB Central Office Law Enforcement Unit showed that from September to December 2022, a total of 37 vehicles allegedly engaged in “colorum” (vehicles without franchise to operate as a public utility vehicle) operations were apprehended in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study Update and Capacity Enhancement Program (MUCEP) areas alone.

Vehicles apprehended during that period include those operating as premium taxis, private motor vehicles (MVs), regular taxis, tourist transport service (TTS), or UV (Utility Van) Express, netting fines totaling more than P7 million.

This is why Guadiz continues to remind the public not to patronize “colorum” vehicles to ensure safe travels and that they pay the correct fares in going to their destinations.

To help in their anti-colorum operations in the regions, the LTFRB chairman also stressed the importance of LTFRB law enforcers looking dignified and presenting themselves as “persons in authority” tasked to implement laws.

He noted that law enforcers in Manila have their own uniforms, unlike in the provinces, where some reportedly wear denim pants or rubber shoes while on duty, which does not look good for the law enforcers.

He said a memorandum has already been issued to ensure that LTFRB law enforcers in the regions be given uniforms.

“The uniform will distinguish them from other law enforcement agencies. It will also give them a sense of honor and pride when they enforce laws against erring operators,” Guadiz pointed out.

Guadiz also said that the LTFRB was given more responsibilities by the government despite the issues it faces, and that is why he called on the agency’s regional directors to “rise up to the challenge” and live up to the tasks given to them.

“We were asked to handle tasks aside from traditional functions like franchising and fare matrix, but I believe we can live up to the expectations. We should rise up to the challenge and show that the LTFRB, when given the opportunity, will deliver to the government those that they ask of us. That is my wish, and that is what we will do here,” added Guadiz.

Among the issues the LTFRB is currently handling include the Service Contracting Program (SCP) or the “Libreng Sakay,” the EDSA Bus Carousel, the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program or PUVMP, the creation of more Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs), particularly in the regions, and the Expanded Equity Program and the Fuel Subsidy Program.

He also hinted at a future increase in the workforce to handle specific projects such as the modernization program and the Libreng Sakay. “We need the personnel, and they cannot be just project-based since these programs were already institutionalized as LTFRB projects and should have organic personnel.”

He likewise told the regional directors that he had given them his trust and that he expected them to perform and deliver to the people the things that were expected from them by the agency.

“Let us look forward prospectively, and let us work together because I trust all of you will deliver,” he added.

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