- 2 bus drivers, aide flagged in surprise screening
TWO BUS drivers and a conductor tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise mandatory screening by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XI and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI on Thursday morning, Dec. 18.
The drug testing was part of “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: PASKO 2025” (Oplan Harabas), aimed at ensuring passenger safety during the holiday rush.
LTO XI operations chief Yuri Lim confirmed to TIMES that 111 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and aides were screened at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) and the Gaisano Mall of Davao van terminal.
While the tests at the van terminal yielded negative results, the inspection at DCOTT flagged two drivers and one conductor.
Lim clarified that the three individuals tested “positive initially” in the urine screening. Their samples will now undergo a confirmatory test to verify the results.
“If the [confirmatory] result is positive, the LTO will issue a show cause order (SCO) to the respondent drivers,” Lim said.
He added that the agency will then prepare a resolution to be submitted to the LTO Central Office for the final order, which could lead to the revocation of their professional driver’s licenses.
