Iloilo City: The Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) has issued a final warning to operators of unauthorized tricycles, known as 'colorum', regarding the strict enforcement of the Tricycle Franchising and Regulation Ordinance set to take effect in Iloilo City on June 19.

According to Philippines News Agency, 'colorum' refers to private vehicles used for public transport without a valid permit, provisional authority, or franchise as outlined in Section 2 of the ordinance. Uldarico Garbanzos, head of POSMO and the Traffic and Transport Management Office, announced during a press conference that dedicated personnel with motorcycles, along with the enforcement and clearing team, will conduct operations to intensify anti-colorum activities in the city.

The ordinance includes the establishment of a tricycle route plan (RTP), which specifies 33 routes, 35 Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Associations (TODAs), and 2,267 franchises. Currently, 1,580 tricycles have secured their franchises, while over 100 applications are pending inspection. Garbanzos further explained that tricycles are restricted to their specific routes, and any deviation will result in an out-of-route violation charge.

Garbanzos urged operators of unauthorized tricycles to apply for the remaining available units to legalize their operations, warning that tricycles without franchises will be impounded, regardless of TODA membership. Operators with pending applications will not face penalties if they can present a certification.

Drivers operating without a valid franchise or motorized tricycle operators permit, defaulting on payment of fees, violating traffic rules, or operating on highways without authorization will face a minimum penalty of PHP1,000. Additionally, tricycles without the correct permits, not roadworthy, or violating environmental laws will be impounded with a fee of PHP500.