CEBU CITY – At least 50 drivers at the Cebu South Bus Terminal here underwent a surprise drug test on Friday afternoon, March 22.
PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas personnel collect specimens from bus drivers during a random drug test at the Cebu South Bus Terminal on Friday afternoon, March 22. (Calvin D. Cordova)
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas (PDEA-7) conducted the random drug test as part of their security measures for the Holy Week when a high volume of passengers is expected to travel to their provinces.
“As part of our initiatives for the coming Holy Week, we want to ensure the safety our passengers. We want to make sure that drivers are not under the influence of illegal drugs,” said PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara.
Alcantara confirmed that no one tested positive for illegal drug use among the 50 drivers.
“We are happy that during the random drug test, none of the drivers and conductors tested positive. But through the surprise drug test, we also want to send a message to those who are indeed using illegal drugs not to wait that they will be caught. While it is still early, they should seek help and undergo treatment and rehabilitation. They have a big responsibility because the safety of the commuters lies on them,” Alcantara said on Saturday, March 23.
The PDEA-7 urged bus companies to monitor their drivers to protect passengers from accidents.
“To the employers in the transport system, we encourage them to strictly implement their drug-free workplace policies. They are mandated by law to implement this and it has a big impact on the productivity of the workers,” said Alcantara.
Alcantara said those who will be tested positive will not be allowed to ply and their driver’s license will be held.
The PDEA-7 will recommend to the Land Transportation-Central Visayas to require those who will flunk the drug test to undergo community-based drug rehabilitation.