LTO revokes 10 bus drivers, 8 conductors’ licenses after positive drug tests

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the licenses of 10 bus drivers and eight conductors for testing positive in random and surprise drug tests.

In a social media post on Tuesday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the decision was based on the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 and the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

“Jurisprudence is also replete with cases wherein the Supreme Court rules that a license is merely a permit or privilege, and that such privilege granted by the State may be suspended or revoked in the exercise of its police power, in the interest of the public safety and welfare,” Mendoza said.

“In the case of these people, mas matindi ang requirement ng obligasyon sa kanila dahil [the requirements are more stringent because] they are driving and catering to the public transportation needs,” he added.

According to LTO, the licenses of 10 drivers and six conductors from Victory Liner were revoked. Meanwhile, two conductors of Solid North Transport, Inc. lost their licenses for testing positive for illegal drugs on May 5.

“Aside from revocation of the licenses, they were also perpetually disqualified from being granted with both the driver’s license and conductor’s license,” said Asec Mendoza.

GMA News Online has reached out to the two bus companies for comment.

To ensure road safety for all, LTO said it has been “very aggressive in running after erring motorists.”

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) earlier found that 84 public utility vehicle drivers tested positive for prohibited drugs at major land transport terminals across the country.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon warned that it will revoke the franchise of bus companies if they still allow those drivers and conductors to work.

The LTO earlier revoked the licenses of 98 drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News