Van in Alegria accident found to be colorum

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 has found out that the van involved in a road accident which killed seven tourists in Alegria town last January is registered as a private vehicle and not authorized to be used for commercial purposes.

Reynaldo Elmar, LTFRB-7 transportation development officer, said the van was being used for commercial purposes even as its Certificate of Registration says it is a private vehicle.

Although the van was registered for franchising under the company, Inner J, it was not registered as a vehicle-for-hire.

Elmar said that once a vehicle has been registered with the LTFRB for franchising, it should be registered under for hire classification after 30 days so it can be used commercially.

But the company failed to do so.

“Once wala, considered nga colorum kay gitagaan ra na sila og 30 days to register,” Elmar said.

Inner J’s franchise will also be suspended for 30 days. It will also be charged a penalty of P200,000.

Meanwhile, Cebu ViceGovernor Agnes Magpale has said that as per Land Transportation Office – 7 Assistant Regional Director Victor Caindec, the agency is moving to require drivers of tourist transport vehicles to carry IDs issued by the local government units before they can operate.

“Ang Department of Tourism among i-member sa task force nga they will not issue stickers unless duna’y ID from the province,” she added.

Magpale also stated that the province is coming up with a doable solution to ensure the safety and protection of tourists.