MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with other government agencies, conducted random drug testing on public utility bus (PUB) drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to ensure the safety and security of passengers traveling to the provinces for the Undas break.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a total of 159 drivers underwent random drug testing, all of whom tested negative for illegal substances.

However, one private motorcycle driver who voluntarily took the test tested positive in the initial screening. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has since confiscated the driver’s license pending the confirmatory test results from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Acting Transportation Secretary Elmer Sarmiento Lopez said the driver’s license will be automatically revoked if the confirmatory test also yields a positive result.

Lopez added that random drug testing will now be conducted regularly in various areas and not just during Holy Week, Undas, or Christmas.

“Importante itong random drug testing sa mga long haul travel gaya ng papuntang Naga at iba pang probinsya. Importante rin na may ka-relyebo ang driver para makapagpahinga sila mula sa mahabang pagma-maneho,” Lopez said during his inspection at PITX two days before Undas.

The Acting Secretary also directed the LTFRB, LTO, and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) to apprehend bus drivers who evade testing by diverting routes away from PITX.

“Ang sabi ko sa LTO at LTFRB, kuhain ang pangalan ng bus companies na ‘yun para we can issue a show cause order. Ang ating SAICT ay naka-deploy na sa lugar na [nagka-cutting trip], not to allow them to stop at dumiretso sa drug testing,” Lopez said.

The DOTr assured that random drug testing will continue in other transport hubs across the country.

Lopez also affirmed the readiness of the entire DOTr and its attached agencies to ensure a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel experience for passengers heading to the provinces for Undas or vacation.

He said the DOTr is closely coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), PDEA, and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to maintain order in roads, airports, seaports, and rail lines.

“Handang-handa na po ang buong DOTr. Ang utos po sa atin ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay dapat whole-of-government approach pagdating ngayong Undas dahil maraming mga kababayan natin ang uuwi ng probinsya,” Lopez said.