By Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY – Seven bus drivers and conductors in the Cordillera region will be issued show cause orders after they were found positive for illegal drug use during surprise tests in bus stations here on Thursday.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Cordillera director Joshua Pablito, in an interview Friday said the seven will also be subjected to confirmatory tests to “prove or disprove that they are using illegal drugs.”
“If during (the) confirmatory (tests) they are found to really be using illegal drugs, they will be subjected to administrative penalties that will include suspension of license,” he said.
Pablito said 98 drivers and conductors were included in the drug test conducted along with personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in line with “Oplan Ligtas Byaheng Pasko 2024”, aimed to ensure safe travel for the public.
“Surprise drug testing activities are regular activities and we will continue to do this if only to ensure that the public will be safe with their lives at the hands of the drivers and conductors and the bus companies who have to ensure safe travel,” he said.
Pablito said drug tests are also being conducted for jeepney and taxi drivers.
He explained that transport companies should ensure commuters’ safety by making sure that the vehicles and workers are in perfect shape before they hit the roads.
He said public utility vehicles are operating with certificates of conveyance issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which is a privilege endowed with public interest.
“Public transport is a public trust. It involves regulation and control by the DOTr,” he said.
Pablito added that license of the drivers and conductors will be suspended or revoked if they commit serious violations. (PNA)
