LTO: 671 driver’s licenses suspended

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 671 drivers involved in traffic collisions and illegal drug use nationwide have had their licenses suspended for 90 days, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Of the number, 547 licenses were suspended following road crashes while 97 drivers tested positive for illegal drugs, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said yesterday.

“This is unprecedented on the part of the LTO,” Mendoza said.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the 90-day suspension could result in permanent license revocation.

Show-cause orders will be issued to public transport operators involved in road crashes, Dizon said.

Owners of 1,165 vehicles that failed roadworthiness inspections have been issued show-cause orders, Mendoza said.

A special team will be formed to tackle substance abuse and alcohol-related concerns among drivers, he said.

Senators have urged the LTO and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to subject drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) to random drug tests regularly, not just on holidays.

Ahead of the Holy Week travel rush, the LTO initiated drug tests for bus drivers.

Eighty-six of 3,270 PUV drivers and conductors tested positive for illegal drugs last week, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the drivers were prohibited from operating vehicles and their licenses were confiscated by the LTO.

The drivers, Nerez said, must undergo drug rehabilitation and local government intervention programs before reclaiming their licenses.