Authorities in Panglao do not have the authority to arrest drivers of “colorum” or unregistered tricycles operating in the town and impound their vehicles which are now reportedly rife in the municipality.
This was bared by the Panglao local government unit’s transportation consultant Danny Reyes on Friday as response to complaints raised by legitimate tricycle operators against supposedly illegal operations.
According to Reyes, the town does not have an ordinance in place which bans the operation of unregistered tricycles.
Even the police’s Highway Patrol Group requires a municipal ordinance before they can take action against colorum tricycles, said Reyes noting that he has long raised the issue before the HPG.
Legitimate tricycle operators reportedly aired their complaint against the growing number of colorum tricycles as these have been affecting their income due to competition.
According to Reyes, the operation of the unregistered vehicles has driven fierce competition among tricycle drivers particularly in the Alona area.
Meanwhile, the HPG has advised the association of tricycle drivers and operators in the town to file a formal complaint which will serve as basis for police action against colorum vehicles.
Reyes also noted that they are planning to push for the passing of an ordinance on colorum tricycles at the town’s Saungguniang Bayan.