Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said that all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will now be required to undergo mandatory drug testing, following a fatal crash involving a Solid North bus that killed 10 people and injured 37 others on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) last week.
“Ako po ay galit na galit nung narinig ko sa news na ‘yung hinuling driver ng Solid North ay ayaw daw magpa-drug test. Wala po siyang choice… Hindi pwedeng hindi ka pumayag. Nakapatay ka ng sampung tao, hindi ka papayag na magpa-drug test? Pwede ba ‘yun? Parang katawa-tawa naman ‘yun,” Dizon said during a press briefing on Monday, May 5.
“So hindi na pupwede ‘yun. We will be releasing this department order after I sign it today,” Dizon added.
The move comes in the wake of a tragic multi-vehicle collision on May 1, when a Solid North bus plowed into four vehicles at the SCTEX Tarlac City Toll Plaza. The impact crushed a Nissan Urvan and a Kia Sonet between the bus and a trailer truck, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals, including four children, and injuries to 37 others.
The bus driver, who reportedly dozed off behind the wheel, was taken into custody. The driver initially refused to undergo a drug test, prompting Dizon’s strong reaction and the subsequent policy change.
In response to the incident, the DOTr ordered the immediate suspension of all operations of Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. (PSNTI).
“We understand the severity of the situation, and we will be responsible and accountable for it,” Solid North said in a separate statement over the weekend.
The LTFRB has also announced that bus operators will face sanctions if their drivers fail drug tests. In April, the agency reported that 97 drivers tested positive for drugs, and 574 were suspended due to road crash incidents resulting in injuries or deaths.
Dizon emphasized that the new drug testing policy is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and prevent similar tragedies. (TCSP)
