Baguio ramps up fight against illegal transport; 27 ‘colorum’ vehicles caught from May 1- June 20

Baguio City, Philippines - A total of twenty-seven colorum vehicles have been apprehended in Baguio City from May 1 to June 20, 2025,  as authorities ramp up operations to stop illegal public transport services in the summer capital.  

The intensified campaign is being conducted by the city’s Engineering Office-Traffic and Transportation Management Division, the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Cordillera under Regional Director Glenn Dumlao, and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) headed by Police Colonel Ruel Tagel.  

According to the Baguio City Public Information Office, Mayor Benjamin Magalong was informed by the DOTr-CAR that the agency is now working not only to catch violators but also ‘to get to the bottom of the illegal business and the people responsible, including corrupt public personnel conspiring with them.’  

In response, Magalong expressed full support for the investigation, saying the local government will cooperate in efforts to dismantle the colorum system and protect the commuting public.  

The mayor, in a statement, said the number of apprehended vehicles in just over a month shows how rampant the illegal operations have become. Nevertheless, it also shows how serious the city is in stopping them.  

Magalong also acknowledged the report of Acting City Engineer Richard Lardizabal, who raised concerns about the growing number of unregistered vans operating within Baguio. 

What is a colorum vehicle and the risks it poses to public?

A colorum vehicle is a public utility vehicle (PUV) that operates without government permits or franchises and travels outside its designated routes. 

It is illegal as the vehicle poses risks to the commuter. An unregulated vehicle does not undergo regular inspections, which could incur malfunction and result in accidents. 

Anyone who gets caught operating colorum, according to Baguio City laws, will be fined, and legal actions will be taken if needed. Under the national law, Republic Act 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, states that fines range from P50,000 for jeepneys, P120,000 for taxis, P200,000 for vans and truck-for-hires, and P1 million for buses.