Sotto, Pimentel don’t see need for PUV drivers’ mandatory drug tests
Multi-vehicle collision occurred at noon on May 1, 2025 along the SCTEx Exit Toll Plaza n Barangay Bantog, Tarlac City, killing at least 12. (Photos from the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS)
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate Presidents Vicente Sotto III and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III have questioned the new Department of Transportation (DOTr) policy requiring drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to undergo drug testing every 90 days, as it may be unnecessary and just a waste of funds.
Sotto, who is running in the 2025 midterm elections, said on Tuesday that the new policy may just be a money-making scheme because previous data showed that only a low percentage of PUV drivers tested positive for drug use.
According to Sotto, it was he who removed the mandatory drug tests for PUV drivers under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, through an amendment initiated by R.A. No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
“From 2002 to 2010, mandatory drug testing for drivers was in R.A. 9165. After more than 24 million drivers were tested, only 0.06 % tested positive. And you want it back? Silly! It’s simply money-making. I authored it and I removed it in R.A. 10586!” Sotto tweeted.
From 2002 to 2010, mandatory drug testing for drivers was in RA9165. After more than 24 million drivers were tested, only 0.06 % tested positive. And you want it back? Silly! It’s simply money making. I authored it and i removed it in RA10586!
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) May 6, 2025
Pimentel, meanwhile, asked why drug testing was being considered when the Solid North bus driver involved in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) collision did not test positive for illegal drugs.
“Did the reckless bus driver on SCTEx test positive for drugs? So why is mandatory drug testing the measure that comes to mind? What is the connection to the incident?” he said.
Sotto and Pimentel’s questions came after Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Monday that he would sign a department order requiring PUV drivers to undergo mandatory drug testing every 90 days.
Dizon said he came up with the directive after hearing news that the Solid North bus driver involved in the fatal SCTEx collision last May 1 did not want to be subjected to drug testing.
At least 10 individuals died while over 30 others were injured after the Solid North bus rammed into a van and a sports utility vehicle that were queuing at the Tarlac Exit of the SCTEx’s northbound toll plaza.
READ: PUV drivers mandated to undergo drug testing every 90 days – Dizon
Senator Grace Poe, a road safety advocate, said she supports the DOTr’s new policy. However, she said the agency must consult stakeholders about these initiatives, especially as to where the funding for these drug testing would come from.
“While I support measures that promote safety, I urge the Department of Transportation to consult stakeholders, including driver groups and medical experts, to ensure that the policy is science-based and not overly burdensome. But the question is, who will bear the costs of these tests?” Poe said in a statement.
“DOTr can look into a socialized program to fund this. Funding for road safety must be an essential component of DOTr’s budget,” she added.
Despite her concerns, Poe and Senator Jinggoy Estrada believe that the policy will be a proactive step in keeping the country’s streets safer.
“We support and laud the decision of Secretary Dizon to conduct regular random drug tests on drivers. We have been stressing for a long time now that the people’s safety should be the top concern,” she said.
“Such move by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon — issuing a department order to require PUV drivers to undergo mandatory drug testing every 90 days — is a proactive step toward ensuring road safety and protecting the welfare of commuters. It is worth examining whether this should be legislated, as it raises important considerations regarding long-term enforcement and sustainability,” Estrada said.
DOTr’s move to require drug testing for PUV drivers, including other initiatives like the reduction of hours that a driver can continuously drive, was initiated after a recent spate of road accidents.
Last May 4, a Ford Everest rammed into passengers queuing outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. A five-year-old girl and another individual died after the incident.
READ: Girl, 5, one of two killed in Naia car accident
Last April 23, three were killed while 10 were hurt after a crash involving six vehicles along Fortune Avenue in Marikina City. According to reports, the trailer truck lost control while traversing Fortune Avenue’s inclined slope, hitting a compact car, a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, and two passenger jeepneys.
Just before the Holy Week, two individuals died after a jeepney went wayward along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. At least 16 others were injured.
