DOTr collects P19 milion fines from illegal PUVs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has collected P19 million in fines during its nationwide crackdown on illegal or colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) from Feb. 1 to 22.

In a statement on Saturday, the DOTr said its Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) apprehended a total of 50 PUVs, including vans and buses.

The DOTr imposed a fine of P200,000 per van and P1 million per bus caught engaging in colorum operations.

The SAICT said that it is in close partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Land Transportation Office to crack down on illegal transport activities that pose risks to commuters and road users.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has directed law enforcers to spearhead the campaign against unauthorized PUVs to protect road users and also promote compliance with transportation regulations.

The DOTr said it is also coordinating with the Department of Health and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to crack down on supposed “colorum ambulances.”