16/04/2026
𝐋𝐓𝐅𝐑𝐁 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐎𝐉 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐓𝐅𝐑𝐁’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, welcomed the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) which affirmed the authority of the agency to impound colorum vehicles.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said the decision is a big boost to the intensified anti-colorum drive of the national government in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to enforce the law on road safety and the welfare of the commuters.
“We in the LTFRB welcome the decision of the DOJ and see this as a victory for the legitimate and law-abiding drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) across the country,” said Chairman Vigor.
Transport groups have been calling for decisive government action, saying colorum operations are taking away 30% of the income of legitimate drivers and operators.
In return, President Marcos and Secretary Banoy assured transport groups of aggressive actions both in law enforcement and legal offensives.
In the decision signed by Acting DOJ Secretary Frederick A Vida, it cited several existing laws and jurisprudence affirming the legality of LTFRB’s power to impound colorum motor vehicles.
Among them are the Doctrine of Necessary Implication under Executive Order 202, Commonwealth Act 146 and the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
It also at least two Supreme Court decisions—the Del Mar vs Philippine Veterans Administration and the Republic of the Philippines vs. Maria Basa Express
Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Inc.,--in affirming the LTFRB argument over its power and authority on apprehended colorum vehicles.
“Measures calculated to promote the safety and convenience of the public who rely on public or private land transportation is an appropriate subject for the exercise of police power. The overriding consideration to maintain public safety and to promote general welfare necessitates the eradication of colorum vehicles, which is the major source of traffic congestion and accidents in the streets of Metro Manila,” the SC decision on Maria Basa read.
“Thus, the imposition of penalties in the form of fines, vehicle impoundments, or even the revocation of a CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience) or driver's license is not incompatible with the spirit and purpose of JAO No. 2014-01,” it added.
In its decision, the DOJ said the eradication of colorum vehicles is necessary to maintain public safety and to promote general welfare.
And as such, State interference is necessary in doing so under the DOTr, through the LTO and the LTFRB, to ensure the effective implementation of the road and public safety provisions of the JAO No. 2014-01.
“While LTFRB under existing law, does not have express powers to impound colorum vehicles, its authority to do so can be premised on Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which has been recognized by the Supreme Court to be valid and constitutional,” the DOJ decision read.
Chairman Vigor, who has been at the forefront of anti-colorum drive starting when he was LTO chief, said the DOJ decision will add more teeth in their campaign to put an end to the illegal colorum operation. #