The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Black Saturday, April 19, that it will show cause orders (SCOs) to bus operators whose drivers tested positive for illegal drug use during a nationwide drug screening by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) this Holy Week.
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency takes the results “seriously” and will act swiftly to hold accountable those who put public safety at risk.
The PDEA conducted the drug tests last Holy Wednesday, April 16, under “Oplan Harabas”. It covered major land transport terminals across the country.
Out of the 3,270 individuals tested, there were 84 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who yielded positive results: 47 of tricycle, 19 of jeepney, 13 were drivers of bus, 11 of utility vehicle (UV) express, two of motorcycle taxi, one of mini-bus, and one of taxi.
Two conductors also tested positive for illegal drug use.
“It is unacceptable and deeply troubling that individuals entrusted with the safety of passengers are found to be operating vehicles under the influence of prohibited substances,” Guadiz stressed.
“The LTFRB will be issuing show-cause orders to the bus operators whose drivers were among those who tested positive. They will be required to explain why no sanction should be imposed upon them for employing drivers who pose a clear risk to public safety,” he said.
Guadiz reminded operators that they are duty-bound to ensure that their drivers are fit to operate public transport vehicles, both physically and mentally.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in penalties, including possible suspension or cancellation of their franchises.