The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will conduct nationwide mass drug testing and roadworthiness inspections of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in response to the deadly crash on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that claimed 10 lives.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II announced that the agency is expanding efforts initially carried out on Solid North Transit to other transport operators across the country.
“We understand the concerns of our fellow Filipinos. That is why the mass drug testing and inspection conducted on Solid North buses will be replicated nationwide,” Mendoza said in a statement.
LTO regional directors have been directed to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to implement surprise, random, and mandatory drug testing for all PUV drivers—including motorcycle taxi riders, bus drivers, and truck drivers.
The LTO confirmed it has already tested 740 drivers and conductors from Solid North Transit at the company’s terminal and office in Cubao, Quezon City.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has instructed that all drivers and conductors must be cleared of illegal drug use before they are permitted to resume operations.
The LTO has revoked the license of the bus driver involved in the fatal SCTEX crash after he refused to undergo drug testing. Mendoza emphasized that such refusal is sufficient grounds for license revocation, as operating a PUV is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Additionally, two other Solid North drivers tested positive for illegal drug use and are now undergoing confirmatory testing. They face the possibility of lifetime license revocation and criminal charges.
The DOTr has suspended operations of Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. for 30 days as part of an ongoing investigation.
Following a roadworthiness inspection conducted in Zambales, only 46 out of 276 Solid North buses were found compliant with existing safety and roadworthiness standards.
