MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of a special task force to handle cases involving colorum vehicles.

In a press briefing, Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the anti-colorum prosecution task force will focus on building cases and conducting information campaigns. The task force will include representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Meron po kaming special task force dito. Sa amin po, ang maasahan ninyo sa Department of Justice ay ang aming masusing pakikiisa, ang aming pakikipagtulungan sa DOTr, sa LTFRB, at sa ating mga kapatid na legal na namamasada para usigin ang hindi sumusunod sa itinakda ng batas (We have a special task force. You can rely on our cooperation, we will work with the DOTr, LTFRB and those who operate legally, to prosecute those who don’t follow the law),” Vida said.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said fines alone have not been effective in stopping colorum operations.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa DOJ. Nakiusap kami sa kanila (We thank the DOJ, we asked for their help),” Lopez said. “Kawawa ang mga lehitimong operator at lehitimong motorista at pasahero (It unduly prejudices legitimate operators, motorists and passengers). Dekada na po hindi effective and multa lang. Kailangan ipakita na sinasabing mga nagku-colorum na bawal sa mata ng batas (It’s been decades and fines are really not effective. We need to show those engaged in colorum that it is disallowed under the law).”

LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II estimated that the problem could involve “up to 90,000 vehicles of different types throughout the country,” although the exact extent remains uncertain. Officials said they will launch an information drive this week.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Deana Perez said colorum operators are liable under Republic Act 11659 (Public Service Act) and may face imprisonment of six to 10 years.

“The task force will be working with the PAOCC (Presidential Anti Organized Crime Commission). The thrust of the DOJ is case build-up before a case is filed in court to ensure that cases stand. The inter-agency task force will concentrate more on syndicates and organized groups supporting, facilitating, helping in the commission of the colorum operations,” Perez said.