4 PUV drivers, 1 conductor test positive for drug use

Local

AS THOUSANDS of passengers prepare to head home for Undas 2025, authorities uncovered drug use among some public transport workers during coordinated safety inspections at Cebu’s main bus terminals.

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 267 transport personnel, including bus, minibus, and taxi drivers as well as conductors, underwent surprise drug testing at the Cebu North and South Bus Terminals.

Five individuals tested positive for illegal drugs, consisting of two taxi drivers, one bus driver, one minibus driver, and one conductor.

The testing was conducted under the nationwide “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos!: Undas 2025” campaign.

The program involved the Land Transportation Office-Central VIsayas (LTO-7), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Cebu City and Cebu Provincial Governments.

LTO-7 Regional Director Glen Galario said the drivers’ and conductor’s licenses were immediately confiscated pending confirmatory tests.

“We have confiscated the drivers’ and conductor’s licenses of those who tested positive, pending their confirmatory tests,” Galario said.

He added that the five were referred to the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) for further evaluation and assistance.

“This random drug testing helps assure the riding public that their drivers and conductors are fit for duty and are not using illegal drugs,” he said.

Drug-free workplace

PDEA-7 Director III Joel B. Plaza said the testing promotes both passenger safety and a drug-free workplace culture.

“Basically to promote ang public safety kay kabalo man ta, influx sa mga pasahero so daghan manguli,” he said.

“Other from that kinahanglan pud nato i-reduce ang demand sa illegal drugs and to promote drug-free workplace program sa lahat ng mga bus companies,” Plaza added.

He added that those who tested positive would undergo a drug dependency examination under the supervision of local governments.

“Kung naay magpositive, of course, i-assess na local government unit and mag conduct sila og drug dependency exam from then para ma determine nato kung unsa dapat ang intervention para sa ilaha,” he said.(MyTVCebu)