BACOLOD City – With the city’s rapid urbanization and increasing commuter demand, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on transportation and traffic has proposed the creation of an Anti-Colorum Task Force to regulate motorized tricycles operating without permits or franchises.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairperson of the said committee, said the proliferation of illegal or “colorum” tricycles, which continue to thrive due to the growing number of commuters, poses risks to public safety and traffic management if not immediately addressed.
The proposed ordinance, approved on first reading during last week’s regular session, seeks to ensure orderly, safe, and lawful tricycle operations in the city. It defines a colorum unit as any tricycle-for-hire operating without a valid franchise or permit from the city government, or one operating in violation of franchise terms.
“The city government must show seriousness in enforcing the law for the welfare of the people. The creation of this task force will protect commuters from unregulated, unsafe, and unauthorized tricycle services,” Ramos stressed.
Under the proposal, the task force will be under the supervision of the city mayor through the City Legal Office (CLO) and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD).
The proposed task force will be chaired by the City Legal Officer, with the head of the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) serving as vice chairperson. Its members will include representatives from the City Mayor’s Office, Permits and Licensing Division, City Treasurer’s Office, and the Bacolod City Police Office–Traffic Enforcement Unit, as well as a representative from an accredited Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA).
The task force will be mandated to conduct regular and surprise inspections, apprehend colorum tricycles, coordinate with BTTMD and BCPO for enforcement, recommend cancellation or suspension of illegally issued permits, and confiscate or impound violators’ units.
The proposed penalties for operators or drivers of colorum tricycles are as follows:
* First offense – P2,000 fine and impoundment of unit for three days
* Second offense – P5,000 fine and impoundment of unit for seven days
* Third offense – P10,000 fine and revocation of permit or disqualification from securing a franchise for two years
Ramos said the measure underscores the city’s commitment to regulate the transport sector, improve commuter safety, and uphold order in Bacolod’s streets./PN
