Mass drug testing and roadworthiness inspections begin nationwide
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is launching mass drug testing and roadworthiness inspections on public utility vehicles (PUVs) all over the Philippines. This move comes after the tragic crash along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that claimed 10 lives.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II emphasized that the agency understands the public’s concerns. “We will replicate the mass drug testing and inspection done for Solid North buses to other companies and operators across the country,” he said in a statement.
Collaboration with enforcement agencies
To ensure thoroughness, LTO regional directors have been instructed to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Together, they will conduct surprise, random, and mandatory drug tests on all PUV drivers — from motorcycle taxi riders to bus and truck drivers.
So far, LTO has tested 740 drivers and conductors of Solid North Transit at their Cubao terminal in Quezon City. Mendoza stressed that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary’s directive is clear: all drivers and conductors must be drug-free before they can operate.
Consequences for violations and refusals
The driver involved in the fatal SCTEX collision lost his driver’s license after refusing to take the drug test. This refusal alone is grounds for LTO to revoke a license. Mendoza reminded that driving a PUV is both a privilege and a serious responsibility.
Moreover, two drivers from Solid North Bus Inc. tested positive for drugs. They are now undergoing confirmatory tests and may face permanent license revocation and criminal charges.
Suspension and roadworthiness results
Following the incident, operations of Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. have been suspended for 30 days under DOTr orders. Meanwhile, a roadworthiness inspection in Zambales revealed that only 46 out of 276 Solid North buses met the required standards.
This crackdown signals the government’s commitment to public safety by combining mass drug testing and roadworthiness inspections nationwide. The agencies involved aim to prevent future tragedies and restore public trust in the country’s transportation system.