Group opposes PUV driver drug test; senators mixed on proposal

Metro Manila, Philippines - A transport group has opposed the mandatory drug testing for public utility vehicle drivers to prevent road tragedies, while some senators were mixed on the transportation department plan.

In a statement, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) slammed the order that does not address the cause of transportation problems.

The directive was in the wake of deadly road crashes at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which killed 12 people including children.

“Itinuturing nito ang mga tsuper bilang mga suspek sa halip na mga manggagawa o propesyonal. Binabalewala nito ang kanilang mababang kita, masamang kondisyon sa trabaho, at kakulangan ng suporta mula sa estado,” PISTON said.

“Walang saysay ang drug testing kung wala namang sapat na pahinga, nakabubuhay na sahod, at respeto sa karapatan ng mga drayber,” it added.

[Translation: The order treats drivers as suspects rather than as workers or professionals. It ignores their low income, poor working conditions, and lack of support from the state. Drug testing is meaningless if there is no adequate rest, living wages, and respect for the rights of drivers.]

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier recognized the need to address the systemic problem on road safety, ordering the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to cut the number of driving hours for bus operators, among other schemes.

Dizon also vowed to strengthen driver education and review policies on obtaining a license.

Meanwhile, some senators backed the requirement for PUV drivers to go through regular drug tests.

“We support and laud the decision of Secretary Dizon to conduct regular random drug tests on drivers…the safety of thousands of passengers are dependent on PUV drivers. It’s crucial that drivers are of sound mind and body before operating a vehicle,” Sen. Grace Poe, who previously chaired the committee on public services, said in a statement.

The senator added that while she supports the measure, the DOTr must “ensure that the policy is science-based and not overly burdensome.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the move was a “proactive step toward ensuring road safety.”

Others like Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel questioned the measure.

“Why is mandatory drug testing the measure which comes to mind? Ano connection sa [What was the connection to the] incident?” he said, after the driver involved at the SCTEX crash tested negative for drugs.

The LTO earlier said it has recorded nearly a hundred drivers who tested positive for drugs during the Holy Week.

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government will review concerns on the drug test.

“Tandaan po natin ang inaalagaan po dito iyong safety po ng commuters, ng mga passengers, ng mga tao na gumagamit ng kalsada, including na rin po iyong mga drivers, hindi po ito basta-basta maaaring sabihin na huwag na lang gawin kung ito naman po ay makakasamá sa safety,” she said.

[Translation: Let us remember that what is being prioritized here is the safety of commuters, passengers, and people who use the roads including the drivers as well. This is not something that can simply be dismissed or set aside if it concerns public safety.]

The Transportation Department has yet to finalize the drug test process, which will involve cooperation from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health.