Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue head Hyll Retuya confirmed authorities impounded three traditional PUJ units and identified at least six cloned license plates during a two-week operation targeting colorum vehicles.
Inspectors discovered that the intercepted vehicles had mismatched chassis and engine numbers, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board verification confirmed their franchise confirmations had expired.
Drivers of the apprehended vehicles received Temporary Operator's Permits facing fines from P10,000 to P12,000 and a 15-day window to settle or face automatic driver's license revocation.
TRAFFIC enforcers in Mandaue City are pulling illegal passenger jeepneys off the road after discovering a fraud scheme involving cloned license plates. Authorities have impounded three traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and identified at least six duplicate plates during a two-week operation. This crackdown aims to clear unauthorized "colorum" vehicles from major inter-city routes.
How the scheme worked
Hyll Retuya, head of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team), confirmed that local authorities launched targeted surveillance after receiving intelligence reports about the fraud.
The scheme mainly targeted traditional PUJs, specifically multicabs servicing routes such as Compostela, Liloan and Foodland.
"They cloned the plate numbers and used them on their own units," Retuya said, explaining that multiple vehicles were found sharing a single franchise and license plate identity. "We received a report about this, accompanied by photographic evidence. That is why we quietly initiated operations, which have been ongoing for two weeks now."
Retuya described the scheme as a fraudulent attempt to evade transport regulations. He noted that operators are taking advantage of transitional authority arrangements under the Public Transport Modernization Program and local route transport plans.
Uncovering the fraud
City officials strongly condemned the deceptive practices of these illegal transport operators.
"This is a fraudulent scheme, it is an outright deception," Retuya said. "Why can't operators simply secure a legitimate franchise? Why resort to cheating our system? If you engage in fraud, it means you have an underlying motive."
Inspectors discovered that the physical chassis and engine numbers of intercepted vehicles failed to match their vehicle registration documents. Verification with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed that the franchise confirmations had expired, classifying the vehicles as unauthorized colorum operators.
"Upon checking, some matched, while others were completely unmatched with their chassis and engine numbers," Retuya said. "The drivers claimed they had no idea, but it is highly suspicious. Out of all the plate numbers available, why would you copy that specific one? Logically, if you are using duplicate or multiple plates, there is personal knowledge involved."
Strict penalties for violators
Drivers of the apprehended vehicles were issued Temporary Operator’s Permits for operating unregistered and mismatched vehicles.
Under Land Transportation Office (LTO) regulations, operating an unregistered vehicle carries severe penalties. Fines range from P10,000 to P12,000, alongside local administrative penalties.
Apprehended drivers have been given a 15-day window to settle their citations. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the automatic revocation of their driver's licenses.
High alert on city streets
Retuya noted that while the drivers possessed valid individual driver's licenses, they refused to cooperate during interrogations regarding the identity of the operators behind the duplicate plates.
Team field enforcers remain on high alert along Mandaue City's thoroughfares. Authorities are under instructions to flag down and impound any additional vehicles identified on their watch list as part of an ongoing joint effort with the LTO and LTFRB.
Removing these illegal vehicles from the roads is an important step toward keeping everyday commuters safe and ensuring a fair, regulated transport system for everyone. / ABC