PHL pushing through with imposition of stiff fines vs ‘colorum’ PUVs

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MANILA — Authorities are pushing through with the imposition of higher fines against colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs) despite Thursday’s transport strike protesting such penalties.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

, in a press briefing on Thursday, said the higher fines will be implemented as planned.

Citing Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Winston Ginez, the PCOO chief said transport groups that joined the strike could face sanctions on their franchises.

“We will subject the franchise owners of public utility vehicles to a hearing and, if evidence warrants, we will cancel their franchise,” he said.

The LTFRB and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) signed early this month a joint administrative order imposing a fine of P1 million for colorum bus operators in a bid to deter PUV practices and to better protect the public.

The fines for other offenders are: trucks and van operators, P200,000; sedan operators, P120,000; jeepney owners, P50,000; and motorcycles, P6,000.

The joint administrative order, which takes effect Thursday, also covers other PUV-related violations such as refusal to convey passengers to their destination; overcharging; employing reckless, insolent, discourteous drivers; operating PUVs with defective parts and accessories; using tampered taximeters; trip cutting and others.