Tabuk’s anti colorum campaign succeeding

By Larry Lopez    

 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The city’s anti-colorum (unregistered public utility vehicle) campaign  is gaining headway  with  more public utility vehicle operators  now   applying for  business permits and vehicle registration.

           

Since the intensified campaign was launched in June, operators of public utility vehicles including tricycles  have complied with legal requirements to operate in the city.     

           

City Administrator Lawrence Bayongan noted this was a result of sustained round-up by   members of the City Anti-colurum Task Force in  various terminals of public utility vehicles  here, to give teeth to the city’s fight against illegal operation of public transportation business.

           

Colorum tricycles and jeepneys operating for business in the city are rampant  despite stern enforcement of city ordinances and land transportation regulation.

           

According to Bayongan, the city government now deals strictly with the problem by allowing enforcers to impound all illegal public transport vehicles, instead of just removing their plate numbers as done in the past.

           

Before, the task force was considerate to explanations given by owners of unregistered PUJs, but having noticed their persistent delinquency, the city government finds no other recourse than to enforce strictly the law,” Bayongan said.

           

City officials said impounded vehicles would be released as soon as they have been properly registered and have secured the necessary permit to engage in business.

           

It is not only the income that is being divested of the city government by illegal transport operators that counts but most especially the safety of the riding public, he added.

           

Since these colorum vehicles are not covered by any franchise or permit, Bayongan said the public has no insurance security when accident happens.