THE National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC) is advocating for the reinstatement of mandatory drug testing for professional drivers, according to Ariel P. Lim, NPTC president, during a press conference on January 23, 2025, in Bajada, Davao City.
“Panawagan namin kasama po sila na hilingin na ibalik po mandatory gawing batas, imandatory na po ang drug test sa professional driver (Our appeal, together with others, is to make drug testing mandatory for professional drivers),” Lim said.
He noted that within their organization, random drug testing is already required for drivers and operators to ensure they are drug-free while on duty. This initiative is in response to the rising number of drug-related cases among drivers.
While the government cannot impose mandatory drug testing nationwide, the NPTC has taken the step to enforce it among its members.
On January 22 and 23, 2025, nearly 300 drivers and operators from the Davao Region and Soccsksargen underwent drug testing. Of those tested, one individual tested positive and will undergo a confirmatory test.
To ease the burden on drivers and operators, the NPTC has subsidized half the cost of the drug tests and will also assist with the confirmatory test expenses for the positive case.
The initiative aligns with the NPTC's support for the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) campaign to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
LTO assistant secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II praised the effort, calling it a proactive move by the private sector to "police their own ranks."
“We will police our policies, we will do everything from scratch to make sure that the policies are relevant, the objective of preventing road accidents,” Mendoza said. RGP
