The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has officially welcomed a significant decision from the Department of Justice that recognizes and affirms the agency's legal authority to impound colorum or unregistered public utility vehicles. This development, announced on Thursday, April 16, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the government's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and regulate the transport sector.
A Victory for Legitimate Transport Operators
In a formal statement, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II expressed strong support for the DOJ's ruling, describing it as a crucial victory for law-abiding drivers and operators across the Philippines. Mendoza emphasized that this decision will significantly strengthen the board's anti-colorum campaign, which aligns directly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to rigorously enforce road safety laws and protect commuter welfare.
Legal Foundations and Supreme Court Precedents
The Department of Justice decision, signed by acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida, meticulously references multiple existing laws and established legal precedents that collectively affirm the LTFRB's impoundment authority. Key legal instruments cited include the Doctrine of Necessary Implication under Executive Order 202, Commonwealth Act 146, and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
Furthermore, the DOJ opinion references at least two landmark Supreme Court decisions that reinforce this position: the Del Mar vs. Philippine Veterans Administration case and the Republic of the Philippines vs. Maria Basa Express Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. ruling. These judicial precedents provide substantial legal weight to the department's conclusion.
Addressing the Colorum Problem
The DOJ's comprehensive decision explicitly states that eradicating colorum vehicles is essential for maintaining public safety and promoting general welfare through coordinated efforts between the Land Transportation Office and the LTFRB. While acknowledging that existing laws don't grant the LTFRB express impoundment powers, the decision establishes that such authority can be properly derived from Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which the Supreme Court has previously validated as constitutional.
This legal clarification comes in direct response to persistent calls from legitimate transport groups for decisive government action against colorum operations. According to transport sector representatives, these illegal vehicles capture approximately 30 percent of the income that rightfully belongs to registered drivers and operators, creating unfair competition and compromising passenger safety standards.
The DOJ's affirmation of LTFRB authority represents a significant step forward in the government's comprehensive strategy to regulate public transportation, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure safer roads for all Filipino commuters and legitimate transport professionals.
