Duterte Orders Arrest of Drivers, Impound Colorum Passenger Vans

Davao City (PNA) — The days of colorum vans or vans operating without franchise to ply route between Davao City and other provinces, including drivers are going to an end.

This developed after Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of drivers and to impound colorum passenger vans and those soliciting passengers. His order also holds for drivers and passenger vans legally operating but soliciting passengers in illegal terminals.

He has also ordered the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and the police station commanders to demolish illegal terminals.

During his Sunday’s Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa television program, Duterte disclosed that colorum vans are soliciting passengers along Torres Street, Rizal Street, Panacan and the Boulevard areas. Some of them even solicit passengers in authorized terminals outside of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland.

He said there are also vans with franchise that solicit passengers in illegal terminals to avoid paying terminal fees imposed by the city government.

The mayor warned that colorum vans pose risk to passengers because road worthiness of the colorum vans cannot be assured because these have not undergone inspection. And, in case of accidents operators and drivers cannot cover the passengers medical needs because they have insurance and money.

“Not just arrest – impound the vehicle,” Duterte said, emphasizing on the authority of traffic officers to arrest if they break laws.

Duterte stressed that it is supposed to be the duty of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to deal with colorum vans. However, once the drivers violate traffic laws and the provisions of the City Ordinance 110 that prohibits the operation of any bus terminals within Davao City other than DCOTT.

”I have every right to arrest you and detain you,” Duterte said, adding, “You are posing threat to the people. The government has to protect the riding public,” he stressed.

The mayor’s order backs the CTTMO which is set to colorum passenger van drivers and the closure of illegal terminals.

CTTMO chief Rhodelio Poliquit earlier disclosed that satellite terminals authorized by the city government are located in front of Victoria Plaza, in front of DCOTT, Tulip Drive, GMall and Abreeza Mall.

Poliquit said vans operating in illegal terminals can be fined P5,000 on first offense; P10,000 fine and impound vehicles for 30 days on second offense; and, P15,000 and suspension of franchise. (PNA) CTB/LCM/LDP