The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation’s (SAICT) Special Operation Group (SOG), with operatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), confronted the persistent issue of “colorum” or unauthorized public transport vehicles in the Tabang area of Guiguinto, Bulacan.
On the morning of January 22, 2025, SAICT’s Special Operation Group (SOG) swooped down on a notorious hotspot for illegal transport activities, demonstrating a firm commitment to law enforcement in public transportation. The operation resulted in the issuance of five Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOPs)and the recording of seven violations.
During the crackdown on unauthorized public transport, several notable violations were recorded. One incident involved a driver blatantly disregarding traffic officers. Moreover, there were five separate cases where vehicles were operated as “colorum,” essentially providing public transport services without the necessary permits. Additionally, one case of reckless driving was noted, adding to the tally of offenses.
Among the vehicles impounded: a Toyota Vios taxi caught red-handed transporting passengers from Tabang to MRT North Avenue, charging Php 100 per passenger, well outside its authorized route. This taxi was clearly flouting the regulations set by the LTFRB.
Another Toyota Vios, a private vehicle, was found ferrying three fare-paying passengers from Tabang to Quezon City. The operation of a private car for commercial purposes without an LTFRB franchise is a clear violation of public transport laws.
A third Toyota Vios, also private, was impounded after it was observed carrying four passengers to Caloocan, again bypassing the need for regulatory approval from the LTFRB, highlighting a recurring issue with unauthorized transport services.
Similarly, a private Toyota Innova was caught with seven passengers en route to Caloocan, operating without the legal authorization to do so. This incident underscores the ongoing problem of private vehicles being misused for public transport.
Lastly, a Foton Traveler private van was taken into custody after it attempted to transport 12 students from Tabang to Malolos, charging a monthly fee of 2,500 pesos. This operation lacked the requisite school service permit from the LTFRB, showcasing yet another breach in the system designed to regulate and ensure safe, legal transport services.
The vehicles have been impounded at the Land Transportation Office in East Avenue, Quezon City, where they will remain until adjudication proceedings conclude and imposed penalties are settled.
“We target illegal transport operations that undermine regulated services and jeopardize passenger safety due to non-compliance with safety standards. Under the auspices of our Vice Chairman Asec. Jose ‘Tracker’ Lim, SAICT’s firm action underscores a commitment to enforce the law while warning potential violators of the consequences,” said Rayson Dela Torre, SOG Head.