CLARK Freeport Zone—The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has urged private transport operators servicing airports across the country to adhere to the rules and legitimize their operations.
Meanwhile, at least 14 more taxi units and other vehicles were apprehended in the continuing crackdown on errant public transport providers operating at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“We call on all private owners and operators of service vehicles to come to our office and we will help you acquire a franchise,” said LTFRB Region 3 director Richard Albano in remarks at the launch of the Task Force Clark here.
On Day One of the task force’s operations, more than a dozen units of Blue Taxi and several sports utility vans being used by unlicensed transport operators were impounded.
Albano, a retired police general, also called on commuters to report any case of overcharging and other illegal practices by transport service providers.
Task Force Clark’ is a Central Luzon-wide collaboration led by the LTFRB in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Clark Development Corp. and the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup).
The Task Force operations here amplified the crackdown launched by Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to dismantle all unauthorized (colorum) and abusive operations of transport vehicles servicing the country’s airports.
The campaign was also attuned to President Marcos’ directive for safer, modernized, and more equitable transportation systems, through the marching orders of LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
The drive addresses mounting complaints from air travelers, airport users, and traders victimized by the colorum operators.
“I assure the riding public that we will check all forms of overcharging, abuse of passengers, and ensure that only franchised and legally compliant public transport vehicles will stay on the road to ensure commuter’s safety”, Albano said.
“This operation is not just a crackdown—it’s a call for discipline, fairness, and accountability in our transport system. We are here to protect the riding public and ensure the safety of passengers,” said LTO regional director Ronnie Montejo.
The anti-colorum operations will be expanded to cover the rest of Central Luzon in the coming weeks, forming part of a sweeping, region-wide transport reform offensive.
“Let us build a disciplined, lawful, and commuter-first transport system that works for all Filipinos,” Albano stressed.
The anti-colorum campaign at the NAIA was being carried out by a team from the Avsegroup in collaboration with the LTO, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
This initiative aimed to target unauthorized taxi operations and overcharging within the airport complex.
All apprehended vehicles were initially brought to the Avsegroup headquarters for documentation, then turned over to the LTO central office in Quezon City for proper disposition.
“I reaffirm our commitment to enforcing the law decisively, serving with compassion, and upholding the dignity of every passenger we are sworn to protect, not only within our airports but throughout the broader transportation landscape, shielding the riding public from abuse and exploitation,” Avsegroup director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said.
