Government sets December 15 target to eradicate kotong and colorum operations

By Ronron
November 14, 2007

A government task force tasked by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week to address the problem of kotong (bribery) and colorum operations has set a December 15 deadline to come up with significant positive results.

In a news conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday during their first meeting, the members of the body, both from the government and the private sector, vowed to eradicate the problem to a large extent that soon so as to give the public a worry-free Christmas celebration.

“We are committed to see to it that before December 15, we will report that after one month, kotong and colorum operations to a large extent had been eradicated. I think that’s a reasonable objective,” said Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, the chairman of the steering committee that created the task force headed by retired Gen. Roy Kyamko.

Reyes said the task force will utilize the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, National Bureau of Investigation, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Transport Sector Association to achieve their goal.

Reyes explained that the intensified drive against kotong and colorum operations came about following a meeting of Arroyo with the transport sector with regard to the oil price hike problem.

He said that if the kotong and colorum operations are stopped, then the transport sector will no longer need to seek for a fare hike every time the oil price increases.

Reyes said that for every month, jeepney or taxi drivers lose about P4,000 every month to kotong cops and about P3,000 due to colorum operations.

“In sum, income of drivers will increase from P5,000 to P12,600 per month if kotong and colorum operations are stopped,” he said.

Aside from fielding apprehenders on the field of kotong and colorum operators, Reyes said they hope to achieve their goal by employing the cooperation of the public and by changing the character of law enforcers.

Reyes said the public will just have to report to authorities those engaged in kotong and colorum operations so proper authorities can take action.

“Let us get rid of kotong cops. The police and the government in general should be the one fighting against kotong,” PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr. said in the same event.

“The police should take this opportunity to really shine and rise above its reputation of being a kotong cop,” Reyes added.

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devinadera, who attended the meeting, vowed that the Department of Justice will do its part in prosecuting those caught involved in the kotong and colorum operations.

Aside from Devinadera, also in attendance in the meeting are Kyamko, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, MMDA General Manager Robert Nacancieno, Raul Concepcion of the Oil Price Watch, and other officials./DMS