LTO holds random drug testing for public transport drivers in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines – At least seven drivers of public utility vehicles tested positive for drugs during a surprise roadside drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas on Friday, authorities said Saturday.

Of the seven, three were drivers of mini-buses and four were public utility jeepney drivers, said LTO Region 7 Director Raul Aguilos.

“We have confiscated their licenses and they cannot drive pending the results of the confirmatory tests to be done in Manila,” Aguilos said.

If the confirmatory tests are positive, Aguilos said, the LTO would revoke the licenses of the.

The drivers may re-apply for licenses after six months but they have to pay a penalty of P15,000 and undergo rehabilitation in a center accredited by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, he said.

At least 53 PUV drivers were made to pull over to undergo a drug test along the national highway at Barangay (village) Linao in suburban Talisay City as part of the campaign to ensure safety of commuters during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Aguilos said the roadside drug test was aimed at ensuring that the drivers were fit to transport passengers safely to their destinations.