Colorum violations, generally referred to as colorum, refers to unregistered or unauthorized vehicles, particularly public transportation vehicles, in the Philippines. Operating colorum vehicles is illegal, as they don’t comply with the necessary regulations and pose risks to public safety. Penalties and enforcement may vary depending on frequency and severity of offense, but it is generally against the law.
However, in the bustling streets of the Philippines, where various modes of transportation weave through the urban fabric, the term “colorum” resonates as a significant challenge. This unassuming word carries weight in the context of unauthorized and unregistered vehicles, particularly those used for public transportation. In this guide, we looked into the intricacies of Colorum violations in the Philippines, exploring the legal landscape, the implications for public safety, and the ongoing efforts to address this pervasive issue.
What is the Meaning of Colorum Vehicle Violation?
The word “colorum” itself may sound unfamiliar to those outside the Philippines, but within the archipelago, it is a term deeply embedded in the transportation lexicon. Colorum refers to vehicles that operate without the necessary permits or proper authorization from relevant government agencies. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with public utility vehicles (PUVs) that provide essential services in ferrying passengers across cities and rural areas.
Note that according to the law, “colorum” vehicles are defined as Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that deviate from their approved routes, operate under an unauthorized designation (e.g., a tourist bus functioning as a Public Utility Bus), or possessing a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) that is suspended, canceled, or expired.
Legal Ramifications
Colorum violations are not merely a matter of administrative oversight; they constitute a breach of the law. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Philippines is the agency responsible for granting franchises and regulating public transportation. Any vehicle operating without the proper franchise is considered colorum and is subject to penalties and legal action.
Not only that, no four (4)-wheeled motor vehicles, either public or private, can be used, driven or operated on the road without being duly registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pursuant to other applicable rules and regulations.
If apprehended by traffic law enforcers because the vehicle does not carry the proper car plate or no car plate is attached to it, the owner shall present any proof that it is duly registered such as current official receipt (OR); certificate of registration (CR); sales invoice of the motor vehicle, the same being dated within seven (7) days prior to the date of apprehension; Certificate of Cover(COC) of Third Party Liability (TPL) Insurance, the same being dated on or after the issuance of the above Sales Invoice; and Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) as issued by the Land Transportation Office, the same dated on or prior to the issuance of the above Sales Invoice to avoid being penalized provided that the said vehicle has been purchased in the past seven days or the owner can prove that the release of registration was due to the negligence of LTO LTFRB in order to absolve him from such violation.
The operation of all public utility vehicles which are so-called colorum shall also be banned from playing in all routes in the country. Such vehicles, if caught traversing highways and streets with passengers, shall be confiscated and impounded. To prevent colorum vehicles from operating, a tagging system shall be instituted by attaching stickers on legitimate PUVs to enable the concerned government agency to monitor those who have not been issued franchise by the agency. The government policy that only vehicles with “yellow” plates are designated for public use shall be strictly enforced.
Fines & Penalties for Violations
The legal ramifications and penalties are all intended to serve as a deterrent, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the safety of both passengers and other road users. Penalties may range from fines to the impounding of vehicles, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
| Type of Vehicle | Fine | Minimum Impounding Period |
| Bus | PHP 1,000,000 | 3 Months |
| Truck | PHP 200,000 | 3 Months |
| Jeepney | PHP 50,000 | 3 Months |
| Van | PHP 200,000 | 3 Months |
| Seddan | PHP 120,000 | 3 Months |
| MC | PHP 6,000 | 3 Months |
If found in violation of transportation laws, operators of colorum vehicles will be fined P50,000 for jeepneys, P120,000 for taxis, P200,000 for vans and truck-for-hires, and P1 million for buses. Further, the penalty of seizure shall be imposed on PUVs that are operating illegally.
Here’s a post as shared on LTO Bicol Facebook page which features a list of the fines included for colorum vehicles:
Public Safety Concerns
The prevalence of colorum vehicles raises significant concerns regarding public safety. Authorized public transportation undergoes rigorous checks to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards. In contrast, colorum vehicles often bypass these inspections, putting passengers at risk.
These unauthorized vehicles may lack necessary maintenance, jeopardizing their mechanical integrity. In the event of an accident, passengers on colorum vehicles face higher risks of injury due to inadequate safety measures. The absence of proper insurance coverage further compounds the challenges faced by those affected.
Economic Implications
The impact of colorum violations extends beyond safety concerns; it also has economic ramifications. Legitimate public transportation operators invest in permits, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, contributing to the overall economic framework. In contrast, colorum operators, bypassing these requirements, can offer lower fares, creating an uneven playing field.
This economic distortion not only affects authorized operators but also impacts the government’s ability to collect appropriate taxes and fees. Addressing colorum violations is, therefore, not only about enforcing the law but also about promoting fair competition and sustaining a healthy economic ecosystem.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
Recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by colorum violations, the Philippine government has undertaken initiatives to curb this issue. The LTFRB conducts regular operations to apprehend colorum vehicles, imposing penalties and impounding unauthorized public transportation.
However, challenges persist. The sheer number of vehicles and the dynamic nature of the transportation landscape make enforcement a continuous struggle. Additionally, addressing the root causes, such as economic incentives for operating colorum vehicles, requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond punitive measures.
Community Awareness and Engagement
Efforts to combat colorum violations also involve raising awareness within communities. Educating passengers about the risks associated with unauthorized transportation services empowers them to make informed choices. Encouraging the reporting of colorum activities by the public creates an additional layer of accountability.
Community engagement extends to working with legitimate transportation operators, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in upholding industry standards. By building alliances between the government, operators, and passengers, a collective effort emerges to mitigate the impact of colorum violations.
What is colorum van illegal transport?
A colorum van is a public utility vehicle (PUV) that operates without the required franchise or permit from government authorities. This means the van is not registered or authorized to transport passengers, which is both illegal and unsafe for commuters. Colorum vans are often recognized by the absence of markings or signage indicating their route or operator’s name.
In simpler terms, a colorum is a private vehicle that is acting like a public utility vehicle, usually for the purpose of earning money without complying with legal requirements. These vehicles are often found operating in remote areas or provinces, offering cheap and unregulated transportation services to passengers.
Video: MMDA Apprehend Private Van “Colorum” Van
Here’s a video as shared on Gadget Addict YouTube Channel which features the MMDA apprehending a private van that was operating as a colorum vehicle. The video shows the MMDA officers inspecting the van, verifying its registration and franchise status, before impounding it for violating transport laws. This serves as a reminder for commuters to always prioritize their safety by choosing legitimate and authorized transportation services.
Summary
Colorum violations in the Philippines represent a complex challenge with far-reaching implications. Beyond being a legal matter, it intertwines with issues of public safety, economic fairness, and the overall well-being of communities. Government initiatives, coupled with community awareness and engagement, form a dynamic strategy to address the root causes and consequences of colorum violations.
As the Philippines navigates its journey towards safer and more regulated public transportation, the battle against colorum vehicles serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by developing nations in balancing economic growth with regulatory compliance and public safety.