THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday conducted mandatory drug testing on 740 drivers and conductors of Solid North Transit at the company’s terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, in the wake of the fatal bus crash in Tarlac City on May 1.
The move comes after a Solid North plowed through multiple vehicles at the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), killing 10 people and hurting several others.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the action aims to ensure the company’s compliance with road safety standards.
This is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep the roads safe, Mendoza said.
“Secretary Vince Dizon instructed that we make sure all drivers and conductors are drug-free before they are allowed to operate.”
Mendoza stressed that refusal to undergo drug testing will result in immediate action from the LTO, including suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
He confirmed that the driver involved in the deadly SCTEX crash had refused to take a drug test and has since had his license permanently revoked.
“This is a government responsibility,” Mendoza added. “We must ensure that all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are mentally and physically fit for duty.”
As part of intensified safety measures, Mendoza said all Solid North Transit buses will also undergo mandatory roadworthiness inspections.
He assured the public that these efforts would not be limited to one operator.
“We understand our people’s concerns. That’s why we will replicate these mass drug tests and bus inspections across other bus companies and operators nationwide,” he said.
All LTO regional directors have been ordered to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to conduct surprise, random, and mandatory drug testing for PUV drivers, including those operating motorcycle taxis, buses, and trucks.
