18 bus workers test positive for drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the licenses of 10 bus drivers and eight conductors from two major bus companies after they tested positive for illegal drug use.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the sanction was imposed in line with Republic Act 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, and RA 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which prohibit a person from operating a motor vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs.

According to the LTO, 10 bus drivers and six conductors from Victory Liner tested positive for illegal drugs.

Two bus conductors from Solid North Transport Inc. also lost their licenses after their drug tests came back positive on May 5.

The bus employees were permanently disqualified from applying for a driver’s license, Mendoza said.

The LTO has intensified security measures, targeting public transport drivers following a series of fatal road crashes.

Last April, the LTO revoked the licenses of 98 bus drivers for various road safety violations. Another 1,100 motorists were issued show-cause orders.

The LTO said it would continue the random drug testing of public transport drivers as part of road safety initiatives.