LTO chief seeks PNP help on illegal PUVs

MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza is seeking the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to crack down on illegal public utility vehicles (PUVs) plying the roads.

Mendoza said the LTO is intensifying the crackdown on colorum PUVs, which are vehicles taking in passengers without having the necessary franchise.

The LTO chief said that the agency has long been receiving complaints regarding colorum vehicles that are endangering the lives of passengers.

Transport groups are also complaining that they are losing around 30 percent of their income to illegal PUVs.

“This is a long-standing complaint of those in the transport sector, that’s why we’re seeking the help of the PNP to boost our ranks to stop the illegal operation of those behind this,” Mendoza said.

The LTO said it is necessary to maintain intensified operations to assist legal transport groups and ensure that their business is sustainable.

Mendoza ordered regional directors to intensify ground operations against colorum vehicles.

The LTO is also deploying mystery drivers to ensure that despite the crackdown will not result in extortion activities against motorists.

The agency said that six LTO enforcers were dismissed for extortion.

“While our campaign against colorum PUVs remain aggressive, we will also ensure that it is being enforced properly and with integrity,” he said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista recognized the successful anti-colorum operations of the LTO, particularly in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

These operations, Bautista said, are necessary to assist transport groups in recovering their losses from colorum PUVs.