THE Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) impounded two private vehicles and apprehended their drivers for operating without a franchise during an entrapment operation in Cebu City on July 12 and 15, 2024.
This followed the earlier apprehension of two taxi drivers by the agency for overcharging Palarong Pambansa delegates.
The drivers of the two private utility vehicles were charged P200,000 each for operating without proper authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, said LTO 7 director Glen Galario in a statement.
“Their units are already impounded and the registered owner of the vehicle, may it be corporate stockholders or directors, will be disqualified from operating any kind of public transportation,” Galario said.
The LTO 7 apprehended a total of 504 vehicles for various traffic violations during its operations from July 9 to 16, covering the entire Palaro week.
Of the number, a total of 14 vehicles were impounded for various violations, including operating without proper registration.
“Most of our apprehended vehicles were (being) operated without proper registration. We have caught a total of 350 vehicles, mixed motor vehicles, and motorcycles,” Galario said.
The second-highest number of violations recorded involved 129 drivers who were apprehended for not complying with the mandatory use of seat belts.
Galario said they will continue to take action against public utility vehicle drivers who overcharge passengers throughout Central Visayas.
“Based on my experience, these illegal activities are rampant in our port areas, and we are always on the lookout to catch these drivers,” Galario said. / WBS