Colorum vehicles recorded in Cordillera

PERSONNEL of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has apprehended seven vehicles believed to be “colorum” (illegal) vehicles in the Cordillera region.

DOTr-Cordillera Assistant Regional Director Mohammad Nasser Abbas explained since the implementation of “Oplan Kamao” on March 4, the department saw other violations aside from documentary lapses.

"Most of the vehicles we apprehended belonged to UHOP and UV Express which presented applications while their OR/CR were identified as private vehicles. We conducted an investigation at our central office and found out that this were not allowed by the department.”

DOTr operatives also found certifications which were signed having wrong decisions. The original decision must contain the signature of LTFRB Chairman Delgra.

"In the case of UHOP, we should remember that they operate on a pick-and-drop basis and must not operate having a terminal. Their passengers should be picked up through an on call basis like UBER and GRAB," the Assistant Director reiterated.

The apprehension saw 4 UHOP vans, one tourist and two colorum vehicles which are now presently impounded at the AFP facility at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.

Meanwhile, the DOTr-Cordillera clarified it suspended a bus of the Rising Sun and not its fleet.

Abbas explained "We issued a show cause order under the due process of law of one of the buses of Rising Sun. The driver was apprehended who forcibly operated the bus which I personally inspected but we are giving a consideration to the driver to explain since no one was hurt in the accident it incurred.”

The DOTR Representative also noted violations of bus companies plying Naguillan road particularly a breach of franchise by the Florida and Miami bus lines.

"The violations which we issued to these bus companies consisted of defective lights, breaks, signal lights aside from operating an old bus which are considered as accident prone," said Abbas.

The Assistant Regional Director also met with bus operators who asked for considerations which he granted but warned of violations if safety requirements are violated.