BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON

Bus drivers in Baguio City were met with a surprise drug test at the start of the new year.

This initiative was a collaboration between the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cordillera.

One of the participants was Norton, a bus driver of six months.

He tested negative.

Norton Acop, Bus Driver, stated, “We must follow the policies of Partas and other transportation companies that strictly prohibit drug use, ensuring safety during long journeys.”

Atty. Joshua Pablito, Regional Director of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), mentioned, “We plan to visit all terminals today to test drivers, ensuring that terminals, bus drivers, conductors, and busline employees are drug-free.”

98 drivers from four major bus terminals underwent testing, with seven initially testing positive.

According to Marjorie Ballesteros, Assistant Regional Director – PDEA Cordillera, “We conduct screening tests at the terminals. If positive, the sample proceeds to confirmatory testing. Results are forwarded to the LTO for proper procedures.”

“We will issue a show cause order to the bus operator and impose administrative sanctions on the driver or conductor. Their fitness as public utility drivers will also be assessed, given their large responsibility,” Pablito added.

Those who tested positive will undergo confirmatory testing to determine if the result is false positive or if prohibited drugs were used. They may face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Passengers appreciated the agencies’ efforts to ensure safety.

“Buses are usually full, and if the driver is under the influence, it could lead to accidents affecting everyone,” said ‘John’, a passenger.

Aside from the drug test, the PDEA conducted K9 inspections to prevent drug smuggling.