EDITORIAL - Regular drug test for PUV drivers

At least six Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers tested positive for illegal drug use during a screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Friday.

The results of those positive --three Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers and three taxi drivers-- will have to undergo a confirmatory test although their licenses have been temporarily suspended, according to Victor Caindec, director of LTO Central Visayas.

The drug screening in Cebu was part of the “Oplan Harabas: Drug Test Muna Bago Pasada,” a surprise nationwide test among PUV drivers. In Cebu City, it was conducted at a v-hire terminal in Barangay Kamagayan and at the North Bus Terminal.

Under the law, a jail term awaits those PUV drivers confirmed positive for drugs, aside from revocation of their licenses. "Kay ang Republic Act 10586 (Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 for All Driver's License Applicants), nag-provide man g'yud og imprisonment...automatic imprisonment sa mga positive (R.A. 10586 provides for imprisonment… automatic imprisonment for those positive)," said Macario Getaruelas, acting head of LTO-7’s operations division.

It’s good that the licenses of these erring drivers have been suspended. They deserve such sanction for their lapses. And if the confirmatory test shows they indeed used illegal drugs, their licenses should be immediately revoked.

PUV drivers who use illegal drugs should be punished with heavy penalties, which should include perpetual ban. They have no right to drive passenger buses, jeepneys, taxis, or even private vehicles.

And, yes, getting rid of all drivers who are drug users requires regular testing. A monthly or quarterly screening will send a strong message to erring drivers that the authorities are really serious in going after them.

Records show that majority of road accidents across the country have been attributed to human error, with overspeeding topping the list of main causes. Now, it’s time for authorities to get serious in their road safety campaign.