Random drug testing eyed for public transport drivers

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is considering the implementation of random drug testing for public transport drivers, following reports that some jeepney drivers were among the clients of an alleged drug peddler who was recently apprehended.

The mayor disclosed that he has begun preliminary talks with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to explore how such testing could be carried out beyond the current requirement of drug screening during license renewal.

Archival noted that while drivers are supposed to undergo drug tests when renewing their licenses, many remain unchecked for years while continuing to ply city routes.

Under current LTO rules, drivers are only required to undergo drug testing when they apply for or renew their licenses.

Licenses are valid for five years, or up to 10 years for those with a clean record. This means many drivers can operate for years without being subjected to drug screening, a gap that Archival wants to address through random testing.

“Being the mayor, dili nato control ang mga drivers, makig esturya pa ko sa mga awtoridad like the LTO. Supposed to be ang mga drivers man gud naa man ni silay drug test inig renew. Ang akong punto diha, pwede ba natog makuhaan og drug test ang mga drivers nga wa pay renewal,” he explained.

The mayor stressed that the proposal requires careful planning, particularly on who would shoulder the costs.

He said the city could consider allocating funds, but mechanisms must be clear to avoid disrupting drivers’ livelihoods.

“Siguro, sa pagbayad, makahimo ang syudad ana og pag-budget. Pero unsaon ang mechanics nga dili ta magproblema in the future nga uy nganong imo ming gipahunong ninyo unya wa mi kapadayon sa among pamasahero,” Archival added.

Archival also pointed out that many drivers operating in Cebu City come from outside municipalities, complicating enforcement.

He emphasized the need for coordination with LTO and other authorities to ensure consistency and fairness.

The LTO has also implemented a nationwide campaign known as Oplan Harabas, which conducts surprise drug testing on public transport drivers, particularly during peak travel seasons. The initiative, carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), has repeatedly caught drivers testing positive for illegal drugs.

Those who fail drug tests face license revocation and legal sanctions.

While the proposal is still in the planning stage, Archival warned drivers against illegal drug use, acknowledging that some resort to illegal drugs to stay awake during night shifts.

“Kahibaw ko nay uban ninyo nga mo-take ani para motaas ang inyong resistensya especially sa gabie. Kay ingon sila kon mo-take ka ani dili gyud ka katulgon. Usa ni sa rason nganong mo-take ni sila. Mao ang ako hangyo ayaw ni, not only makadaot ni sa inyong panglawas, makadaot ni sa ubang mga tawo, especially sa inyong mga pasahero,” the mayor said. — /MRM (FREEMAN)