OVER a hundred bus, mini bus, van, and taxi drivers at the North and South Bus Terminals in Cebu City underwent a surprise drug test Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and three have so far tested positive for drug use.
The test was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, and Highway Patrol Group 7.
It was part of the strict enforcement of security and safety measures for passengers traveling to the provinces and nearby regions during Holy Week.
PDEA 7 data revealed that three bus drivers tested positive for illegal drug use -- one is a mini bus driver at the South Bus Terminal, while the other two are bus drivers at the North Bus Terminal.
PDEA 7 Information Officer Leia Alcantara said the drivers who tested positive will be referred to the Regional Public Assistance Desk Officers for drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.
The three drivers who initially tested positive will still undergo a confirmatory test by PDEA 7. If confirmed, further recommendations will then be issued.
PDEA 7 Director Alex Tablate said the drivers’ licenses have been temporarily confiscated by LTO 7 for administrative sanctions. The agency will recommend rehabilitation, especially for first-time offenders.
"Ang goal nato ani nga ma maintain ang free ang mga bus drivers nato sa pag gamit sa illegal drugs considering nga ang public transport nato very important and very critical sa safety sa atong passengers," said Tablate.
(Our goal is to keep our bus drivers free from illegal drugs, considering they are part of public transport which is very important and critical to the safety of our passengers.)
No criminal charges will be filed by PDEA 7 against the drivers, but LTO and LTFRB will decide on their cases.
PDEA 7 has also intensified monitoring at bus terminals and seaports to prevent contraband from entering Central Visayas.
K9 units have been deployed to inspect passengers' baggage traveling to different parts of the Visayas Region. (AYB)