Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it will expand impounding areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces as it expects the number of “colorum” or illegally operating public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the streets to increase after Jan. 31.
\”Nilalakihan namin ‘yung impounding areas natin para sa ganun, kung talagang tatakbo pa rin sila, kasi they’re violating the law already,\” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
[Translation: We’re expanding our impounding areas in case they choose to continue operating because they’re violating the law already.]
Unconsolidated jeepneys will be declared colorum starting Feb. 1, when the memorandum authorizing operations expires and their franchises are terminated, according to transport officials.
The LTO will tap available government-owned lands in Metro Manila and nearby Calabarzon while it eyes opening new impounding areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
\”Sana hindi mapuno. Sana mag-comply na lang at magrehistro’Yung mga nagrereklamo sa modernization, sana sumama na ho. Subukin lang nila. Wala naman mawawala,\” he said.
[Translation: I hope it doesn’t fill up. I hope people would just comply and register. Those who complain about modernization, I hope they join. Just try. There is nothing to lose.]
The LTO chief said they are also working with concerned agencies on boosting enforcement in tollways.
Mendoza clarified that vehicle impoundment does not only cover those apprehended over the PUV modernization program but also other transport rules.
\”Yung unregistered, pag hindi sila nakarehistro — whether consoldiated or unconsolidated — huli po kayo,\” Mendoza said. [Those unregistered — whether consolidated or unconsolidated — you will be apprehended.]
PUV drivers were earlier told to bring their approved or pending franchise consolidation forms as well as LTO registration documents as transport officers will begin conducting random checks in February.
Franchise consolidation, which lapsed on Dec. 31, 2023, is a key component of the government’s PUV modernization program.
The permits of PUV operators and drivers who did not consolidate into one cooperative or corporation were revoked on Jan. 1. But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said they could still ply routes under certain conditions until Jan. 31. By February, it said unconsolidated units would be considered “colorum.”
