LTO-6 launches all-out war on colorum vehicles

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office–Western Visayas is mounting a regionwide crackdown on unregistered and illegal colorum vehicles.

Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II ordered intensified visibility, intelligence gathering, and special operations across priority areas.

“Officers must not only apprehend unregistered units but also target specific areas where colorum operation is rampant,” Geduspan said.

The directive aligns with instructions from LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II and acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez to sustain enforcement and sharpen intelligence on illegal routes and operators.

Under the strengthened policy, LTO-6 will not only impose fines but also file criminal cases against individuals caught in anti-colorum operations.

Impounded vehicles used for illegal for-hire services may be released only by court order, even if fines are paid.

The campaign is already yielding results, with hundreds of colorum motorcycles and vans apprehended monthly in Western Visayas.

On Sept. 17, 2025, an Iloilo City court convicted an Antique van operator for operating without the required franchise, and the vehicle was seized and sold at public auction.

All deputized personnel in district offices have been ordered to join the operations, and the Legal Division is preparing charges against violators.

“Our work is public service,” Geduspan said.

“We serve the public first, we prioritize assistance to legal operators, and we do not bend the law for those who hide behind the excuse of public interest,” he added.