LTO: Mass drug testing, roadworthiness inspections to be held for PUVs

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to hold mass drug testing and roadworthiness inspections of public utility vehicles (PUVs) nationwide following the tragic road crash on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that killed 10 people.

"We understand the concerns of our kababayan on this matter that is why the mass drug testing and mass inspection of buses of the Solid North will be replicated to other companies and operators, across the country,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said in a statement.

LTO also said that Regional Directors have been told to coordinate with the Philippine Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for the conduct of the surprise, random, and mandatory drug testing for all PUV drivers—from motorcycle taxi riders to bus and truck drivers.

Meanwhile, LTO has already conducted mandatory drug testing on a total of 740 drivers and conductors of Solid North Transit in its terminal and office in Cubao, Quezon City.

“The instruction of (Department of Transportation) Secretary Vince (Dizon) is clear, we have to make sure that all their drivers and conductors are drug free before they are allowed to operate,” Mendoza said.

The agency has revoked the driver’s license of the bus driver involved in the fatal multiple-vehicle collision after refusing to take a drug test.

Meanwhile, two bus drivers of Solid North Bus Inc. have tested positive for drugs. They will be subjected to confirmatory tests, and may face perpetual revocation of their license and other criminal charges.

Mendoza said a driver's refusal to take drug tests is already a ground for LTO to take action as far as the driver’s license is concerned, adding that driving a public utility vehicle is a privilege and a responsibility given to individuals.

Operations of the Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. have been suspended for 30 days following the fatal incident, in compliance with a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Following a roadworthiness inspection in Zambales, DOTr said 46 out of 276 Solid North Bus’ units were found to be compliant with roadworthiness standards. —VAL, GMA Integrated News