LTO-6 intercepts colorum van in Aklan

ILOILO CITY — Nearly 200 colorum vehicles have been apprehended as the Land Transportation Office Region VI (LTO-6) intensifies its campaign against vehicles operating without the required franchise.

On Oct. 8, LTO-6 law enforcers intercepted and impounded a colorum van in Nabas, Aklan, bringing the regional tally to 198 vehicles apprehended since January.

Jetster Mandadero led members of the LTO-6 Regional Law Enforcement Section in flagging down the van during a random roadside inspection.

The van was carrying seven passengers who told law enforcers that they had paid fares for the trip.

LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II said some van operators continue to risk carrying paying passengers despite having no franchise.

He said the practice continues despite repeated warnings and hefty penalties.

LTO-6’s sustained enforcement operations across Western Visayas have covered motorcycles, tricycles, taxis, sedans, vans and multipurpose vehicles used for unauthorized transport services.

Colorum vehicles are those used to transport passengers for hire without the required authority or franchise from the government.

The consequences of colorum operations extend beyond fines and vehicle impoundment.

LTO-6 said unauthorized transport operations can compromise passenger safety and undermine legitimate transport services.

Operators also face substantial fines and other sanctions under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

Geduspan reiterated that operators must first secure the appropriate authority and franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board before transporting passengers for hire.