Bus driver caught drunk while on duty

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted a random drug test yesterday morning at the Araneta bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City and caught a bus driver drunk while on duty.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said Edgar Larrarte, a driver of Penafrancia Bus Line, was found positive for traces of alcohol in his system when his breath was tested using a breath analyzer.

“We want to ensure that drivers of buses are not under the influence of alcohol before driving on the road,” he said.

Tolentino advised Larrarte’s employer not to allow him to drive until he rests for at least an hour.

Larrarte, who drives the Metro Manila-Naga route, admitted to the MMDA that he drank alcohol hours before he started his duty at the terminal.

The MMDA also deployed other inspection teams to other bus terminals in Metro Manila, including the Southwest Terminal in Parañaque City where buses bound for Bicol and the Southern Tagalog pick up and unload passengers.

Tolentino said testing bus drivers for alcohol intoxication is one of the measures being done by the MMDA to ensure that the roads will be safe during the traditional trek to the provinces on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Days.