MMDA backs plan to have bus drivers tested for drug use

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday expressed its support for the proposed testing of public utility drivers for drug use in the wake of the recent accidents involving provincial buses.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the agency is supportive of such move to make sure that bus drivers are not “high” on drugs while they are on the road. “It’s a good proposal. It can be done through the coordination of government agencies such as the LTFRB and the LTO as well as the transport sector,” Tolentino said.

The proposal was recently aired by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and was immediately also supported by bus operators like the Integrated Metropolitan Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) and the Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (Soluboa).

Claire de la Fuente, IMBOA president said they are now testing their drivers for drug use and are prepared to coordinate with other bus operators and PDEA to expand the program.

The PDEA over the weekend pushed for the drug testing of bus drivers in the wake of two deadly bus accidents.