DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 15 November) – Mayor Rodridgo Duterte on Sunday warned drivers of “colorum” vehicles that they would be arrested and announced that unregistered van terminals will be demolished.
Duterte issued the warning in his Sunday television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” after learning that the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) still received reports of “colorum” (is slang for illegal public land transport) vehicles still plying the streets and that some bus terminals operate without a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“If you don’t have the franchise, you will face charges, and I will order the confiscation of your vehicle,” he said in Cebuano.
The mayor said some of the illegal terminals can be found along F. Torres St., Rizal St., the area along Quezon Boulevard, Sta. Ana Avenue, Panacan area, and the area fronting Victoria Plaza.
“Aside from the fact that they are not supposed to ply the routes, wala gyud na silay authorization sa gobyerno, in case na madisgrasya o mamatay, tabla. Walay insurance (they are not authorized by government, in case of accidents or death, you get nothing. There is no insurance), that’s why we arresting the drivers,” he said.
Although this is LTFRB’s jurisdiction, Duterte said other law enforces can make the arrest even if they are not deputized.
He said even the police can arrest erring drivers “because they are violating .. the law.”
“As long as there is a violation of the law, I do not think that you need the deputization of anybody,” he said.
“If you allow passengers to board your vehicles and you endanger them, I have every right to arrest and detain you, you and your motor vehicle,” the mayor added in Cebuano.
He also told the passengers not to ride the “colorum” vehicles because in case of accidents, the passengers will get nothing as there is no insurance. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
