THE Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has revoked the licenses of three public utility vehicle drivers after their confirmatory tests came back positive for illegal drug use.
LTO 7 Director Glen Galario said the three drivers tested positive during random testing at the North and South Bus terminals in Cebu last Holy Week in April.
"When they tested positive during our random inspection, we had to conduct confirmatory tests before we fully revoked their driver's licenses," said Galario.
He added that the three drivers are the first public utility vehicle drivers to have had their licenses revoked for the year 2025.
"Kini pahimangno ni sa tanan natong mga drivers dili lang sa pampubliko nga mga sakyanan apan sa tanan nga migamit sa atong kadalanan. This is to ensure nga dili lang ang atong mga sakyanan ang road worthy but including our drivers, if they are fit to be on the roads," said Galario.
(This is a reminder to all our drivers -- not just those of public utility vehicles but everyone who uses our roads. This is to ensure that not only our vehicles are roadworthy, but also our drivers -- if they are fit to be on the roads.)
He also reminded the public that possessing a driver's license is not a right, but a privilege for those who deserve to have it.
"Dili tanan pwede makakuha anang driver's license. We have been very strict with our requirements for getting a driver's license. Gikan sa certificates from our accredited driving schools to taking the necessary exams before one can possess a driver's license," he said.
From January 1, 2025 to July 22, 2025, LTO 7 also revoked 12 driver’s licenses for having more than 40 demerit points.
The office also suspended 411 driver's licenses due to various violations.
The most common violations include reckless driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, failure to wear a seatbelt, and overcharging passengers or violating franchise terms.
During the same period, LTO 7 also recommended that 28 driver's license holders have their licenses revoked or suspended for various violations, such as road crashes and violations that were caught on video that went viral online.
LTO 7 also issued temporary operator's permits and/or suspended the driver's licenses of five vloggers for violations of traffic laws in the first half of 2025. (PR)