THE driver of the bus involved in the multi-vehicle collision in Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that killed 10 individuals has tested negative for drug use and alcohol intoxication.
Tarlac City Police Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Romel Santos said in a statement Monday, May 5, 2025, that the driver of the Solid North Bus Transit Inc. has undergone alcohol breath analyzer test and mandatory drug testing as provided by the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, and both yielded negative results.
The bus driver reportedly fell asleep while driving, causing the vehicle to hit several vehicles in queue in the tollgate booth of SCTEX in the portion of Tarlac City on May 1.
Four of the fatalities were children, while two others were a couple who was survived by their two-year-old child, who sustained only minor injuries during the incident.
The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board has meted a 30-day suspension against the Solid North Bus Transit Inc. fleet due to the incident.
The Land Transportation Office also perpetually revoked the bus driver's license.
The incident has prompted Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to issue an order requiring a mandatory drug testing for all public utility vehicle drivers every 90 days.
The order will also require bus companies to provide two drivers for a trip that will exceed four hours. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)