To ensure the safety and security of passengers traveling home for Undas, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with other government agencies, conducted random drug testing among public utility bus (PUB) and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
The initiative follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to guarantee the safety of commuters during the Undas season.
According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a total of 159 drivers underwent drug testing, all of whom tested negative. 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 GiovanniLopez explained that the driver’s license will be automatically revoked if the confirmatory test also yields a positive result. She also emphasized that random drug testing will be conducted regularly in various locations across the country, not just during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week, Undas, and 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 pagmamaneho,” Secretary Lopez said during her inspection at PITX, two days before Undas.
Lopez also instructed the LTFRB, LTO, and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) to apprehend bus drivers avoiding PITX to skip the testing. “Kuhain ang pangalan ng bus companies na ‘yun para we can issue a show cause order,” she said, adding that enforcement teams are already deployed to prevent violations.
The DOTr reaffirmed its readiness for the Undas travel period, working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), PDEA, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure order and safety across transport hubs nationwide.
“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.
