In surprise drug test 10 of 71 PUV drivers found using drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Ten out of 71 Public Utility Vehicle drivers were found to have used illegal drugs during a surprise roadside drug test conducted by personnel of the Land Transportation Office-7 along Imus St., Cebu City.

LTO Regional Director Raul Aguilos said the results will still be forwarded to its head office for confirmation.

The ten drivers, who were initially found positive for using either shabu or marijuana, were no longer allowed to drive.

“When we confirm that they are positive of using illegal drugs, their licenses will be revoked,” Aguilos said.

However, the drivers can re-apply after six months but shall be required to show proof that they have been rehabilitated.

Aguilos said aside from the rehabilitation requirement, under Memorandum Circular 2008-0039, drivers who will be found positive of illegal drugs shall be fined P10,000.

Five of the 10 are jeepney drivers, four are taxi drivers and one is a van-for-hire driver. 

Aguilos said since the start of this year, 13 PUV drivers were found using illegal drugs and three of them were already confirmed.

He said PUV drivers who use illegal drugs do not just pose a risk to their passengers but also risk losing their license, livelihood and income. 

Those found positive will be blacklisted and will have a derogatory record with the Department of Health.  Aguilos said that the three bus drivers confirmed to have used illegal drugs were already terminated from service.

Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, lauded the move as this would mean safety for the passengers.

CSMBOA has more than 200 mini-bus drivers as members and so far, Flores said, none were found to have used illegal drugs.

Flores even suggested that LTO should conduct continuous drug testing and not just random drug testing.

The said program is part of LTO’s 10-year road safety program aimed at reducing traffic accidents which is considered as one of the leading causes of death in the world. —