PDEA conducts mandatory drug tests to public transport drivers

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday conducted simultaneous surprise mandatory drug test among drivers of public transport.

Dubbed as "Oplan Harabas: Drug Test Muna Bago Pasada,” the operation was conducted in various public transportation terminals across the country as part of PDEA’s way of monitoring drivers who may be under the influence of illegal drugs.

“The drug test is part of Oplan Harabas that aims to ensure the safety of passengers through the conduct of surprise mandatory drug testing to public utility transport drivers," PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino said.

"The safety of the riding public is our primary concern and this program will serve as our re-validation effort on the alleged illegal drug use by drivers of public transportation," he added.

According to Aquino, any driver who refuses to undergo the mandatory drug test will be reported and immediately endorsed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Aquino underscored that PDEA has an "innate responsibility to undertake measures to prevent drivers from being a cause of road traffic accidents."

Data from PDEA showed that a total of 3,654 drivers, bus conductors, and dispatchers were arrested for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 from January 2018 to January 2019.

Aside from PDEA, Aquino said other government agencies involved in the project are the Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land transportation Office (LTO), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Local Government Units- Business Permit and Licensing Office (LGU-BPLO) and other stakeholders.

The anti-drug agency conducted the pilot implementation in Pasay City public transportation terminals that was simultaneously executed in all regions across the country. 

The terminals are Pasay City Jeepney Terminal, Pasay City UV and Jeepney Terminal, Mall of Asia Terminal (UV, Multicab, Jeep and Taxi), AJODA Nichols Terminal, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal, three tricycle terminals (DCRTODA, MATODA, and DCVTODA), and 49 others nationwide. — RSJ, GMA News