By I. Inojales | 02:06 PM August 22, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol– Bohol’s legitimate travel and tour operators are crying foul over the alleged proliferation of colorum vehicles in the province, with complaints now reaching the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 Regional Director Glenn Galario.
One of the complaints, filed on August 12, 2025, by Pablo Dignos, claimed that LTO-7 personnel have been collecting “protection money” from operators of unauthorized vans and tourist vehicles to allow them to operate in Bohol and the rest of Central Visayas.
Dignos alleged that vans—particularly Hi-Ace units—transport passengers and tourists without accreditation from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Instead of facing apprehension, these operators allegedly pay P1,500 per vehicle each month and are even given stickers as a sign of protection.
“This has badly hurt the livelihood of Bohol-based tour companies. Many legitimate drivers reported losing clients because colorum vans, emboldened by protection, are able to freely charge passengers exorbitant rates,” the complaint stated.
According to Dignos, the scheme has discouraged local tour companies from registering with the LTFRB. “In their mind, they do not need to secure the necessary permits as long as they have the sticker from their protectors,” he added, warning that the system has created an uneven playing field for Bohol’s tourism sector.
A second complaint, filed on August 15, 2025, by Rosario Paras, accused Galario of ordering his chiefs of office to collect “SOP payments” from liaisons to expedite transactions such as registration, licensing, and transfer of vehicle ownership.
Paras cited testimonies from liaisons in Talisay City who alleged that Lara Emerald Signar, officer-in-charge of LTO’s registration section, demanded P800 per transaction to meet a supposed weekly quota of P150,000.
She warned that if left unchecked, such practices will erode public trust in the LTO and compromise law enforcement’s fight against corruption. Paras urged the Ombudsman to conduct a lifestyle check on Galario and file appropriate charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
For his part, Galario said he has not yet received copies of the complaints. “Once we do, I will review it with my legal counsel and prepare our response,” he said.
The allegations have stirred concern in Bohol, where tourism and transportation are vital economic drivers. Stakeholders are now urging authorities to act swiftly, warning that continued colorum operations could tarnish Bohol’s reputation as a safe and reliable tourist destination.
