A recent proposal to switch up certain aspects of the apprehension of colorum vehicles in Baguio City has been gaining ground at the local legislative branch, having been approved on first reading.
The proposal would amend the Anti-Colorum Ordinance (ACO) or Ordinance 55-2017 upon the recommendation of Police City Director Francisco Bulwayan Jr.
Currently, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) is wholly in charge of the enforcement of the ACO, which includes the issuance of tickets, the confiscation of licenses and license plates, and the impounding of vehicles.
However, a Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion this year indicates that enforcement against colorum vehicles should be handled by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), with the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) playing a coordinating role.
Bulwayan said that with the current ordinance, there is some conflict with the operations of the LTO, which the DOJ assigns as the primary enforcement body, and the BCPO.
Under an LTO memorandum dated April 27, 2023, the confiscation of motor vehicle license plates is prohibited, but the physical impoundment of vehicles is required.
The amendment to the ordinance would see the city’s rules structured around the LTO’s rules and redirect higher implementation powers, such as the confiscation of license plates and driver’s licenses to the LTO, with the BCPO’s power being limited to the issuance of citation tickets.
The proposed amendment has been approved on first reading and is due for further review before implementation.
