Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of policy reforms will be carried out after back-to-back transport tragedies, including mandatory drug testing for public utility vehicle drivers and shorter driving hours, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday, May 5.
In a press briefing, Dizon said a systemic problem should be addressed.
On Sunday, May 4, a sports utility vehicle crashed into the entrance of the west departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, killing two people including a four-year-old child.
On May 1, a passenger bus rammed into four vehicles on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), ending the lives of 10 people.
“Ang hustisya ay para sa lahat ng Pilipino na ngayon ay takot sa ating mga kalye [Justice is for all Filipinos who now fear for their lives on the road]… People like you and me feel unsafe on our own roads,” said Dizon.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told him to overhaul the system on road safety.
On Monday, Dizon issued a department order that required regular mandatory drug testing on public utility drivers.
The drug test shall be shouldered by the operator.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently revoked the license of 98 drivers who tested positive for drugs during the Holy Week.
Dizon also asked the LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to cut the maximum driving hours for bus drivers from six to four in the aftermath of the SCTEX collision reportedly caused by a bus driver who dozed off.
“Kung ang biyahe ay mas mahaba sa apat na oras, mandated ang bus company na maglagay ng relyebo. Hindi konduktor,” said Dizon.
[Translation: If the trip is longer than four hours, the bus company is mandated to have alternative drivers available. Not bus conductors.]
The LTFRB said it will issue special permits to over 200 buses to compensate for the number of Solid North units that were suspended over the SCTEX tragedy.
Meanwhile, Dizon warned abusive motorists of automatic license suspension, particularly cases from social media that will be proven true.
He also acknowledged the need to strengthen driver education.
“Yung driver education kailangan magbago. Totohanin na natin…Wala na yung padulasan. Buhay ito,” he said, adding that practical tests for drivers must be reviewed.
[Translation: Driver education must change. Let’s make it real…Stop the fixer system. We’re talking about life here.]
