MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday called on school administrators to report unauthorized school service vehicles to help address the problem on colorum vehicles.
LTFRB director for technical division Joel Bolano said the agency cannot solve the problem alone and it would be more effective if school officials would help in their campaign against colorum school service vehicles.
Colorum vehicles are private vehicles posing as public utility vehicles which operate without a franchise from the LTFRB.
Although the LTFRB has been conducting spot inspections against illegal school service vehicles during the start of the school season, Bolano said they still need help from other agencies.
“We assure them that the LTFRB is giving them the time. Mayroon kaming mga tao along school premises lalo kapag opening [ng klase]. ‘Yung presence naming, nandoon talaga, kaya lang, ‘yung sinasabi ko we have to get help from other agencies,” he said.
School service vehicles that operate without franchise can pose dangers because these did not undergo proper inspection and test for road worthiness.
Illegal school service vehicles also present unfair competition to legitimate operators.
According to Celso dela Paz, president of the National Alliance of School Service Association of the Philippines, more parents are subscribing to colorum school service vehicles as they offer cheaper monthly fee of P1,200 than the legitimate operators’ P1,500 fee.
Marikina-based Dela Paz also hit the local authorities’ alleged inaction despite the rampant operation of colorum school service vehicles in their area.
“Doon na nga ako nagugulat eh. Bakit kaming mga may prangkisa ang kanilang pinaghihigpitan? Samantalang nagkalat ang mga colorum, hindi lang dito sa Marikina, buong Metro Manila halos may colorum,” he complained.
The LTFRB has admitted to having difficulty in effectively apprehending illegal school service vehicles in Metro Manila due to insufficient number of personnel.
The agency also urged parents not to use the service of illegitimate school service vehicles as these are not registered with the LTFRB, thus passengers are not covered by its personal accident insurance policy.
“Sana ‘yung school service na kukunin nila ay ‘yung mga legitimate na may franchise kasi may mga insurance ‘yun na magko-cover dun sa mga passenger,” Bolano said.
The LTFRB warned anew that operators of apprehended colorum service vehicles will be fined P200,000 and the vehicle will be impounded for three months. (with details from Joan Nano)
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