More drug tests for bus drivers

CEBU, Philippines - Mini-bus drivers can expect more surprise drug tests in the coming days, said Aden Belza, assistant chief for operations of the Land Transportation Office.

Belza said the random drug test they conducted the other day was certainly not the last, as LTO acknowledges that drug tests would be beneficial for both drivers and passengers.

“We are trying to help the people and this is for everyone’s welfare. We want to make sure that we have a safer road for the general public,” Belza said.

The drug test the other day was conducted after the Cebu South Mini-bus Operators Association volunteered to have its members, operators, and drivers will to undergo the test from April 1-7.

Belza clarified that the drug test should not be seen as insinuating that mini-bus drivers are using illegal drugs but should be considered as a means to ensure the safety of the public. Belza said the drivers are not being forced to undergo the drug test.

Of the 50 drivers that underwent the tests the other day, three were found positive of using drugs.

Belza said that a confirmatory test would still be done to double-check the result but CSMBOA said they will automatically dismiss the three from service, as compliance of their policy.

The names of the three drivers are kept confidential pending the confirmatory test. One, however, reportedly went missing after the result came out.

Those whose test result would be confirmed will have their licenses revoked and would be fined P7,000.

According to CSMBOA, the drug test is one way to ensure the public that their buses are still safe.

The move to have mini-bus drivers undergo a drug test came after the tragic incident in Naga City last Saturday when a speeding mini-bus slammed into a 10-wheeler truck, leaving 14 people dead, including the drivers of the mini-bus and the truck. — AJ de la Torre/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)