Palace backs regular drug tests for PUV drivers | ABS-CBN
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
Palace backs regular drug tests for PUV drivers
Philippine Red Cross rescuers respond to a multiple-vehicle collision at SCTEX on Thursday, May 1. Facebook/Philippine Red Cross/file
Philippine Red Cross rescuers respond to a multiple-vehicle collision at SCTEX on Thursday, May 1. Facebook/Philippine Red Cross/file MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday said the Department of Transportation's order to require regular drug testing for PUV drivers needs to be studied.
MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday said the Department of Transportation's order to require regular drug testing for PUV drivers needs to be studied.
The DOTr mandated regular drug testing for PUV drivers following the deadly multi-vehicle collision at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the ramming incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
The DOTr mandated regular drug testing for PUV drivers following the deadly multi-vehicle collision at the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the ramming incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
Transport group PISTON and several lawmakers have questioned the DOTr's directive, calling it an added burden to drivers and a "money-making scheme".
Transport group PISTON and several lawmakers have questioned the DOTr's directive, calling it an added burden to drivers and a "money-making scheme".
They also noted that only a small percentage of PUV drivers test positive for illegal drugs.
They also noted that only a small percentage of PUV drivers test positive for illegal drugs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that there is a need to look into the order, which is meant to boost the safety of commuters and pedestrians.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that there is a need to look into the order, which is meant to boost the safety of commuters and pedestrians.
“Dapat pong pag-aralan, kasi ito po ay kailangan din po. 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," Castro said.
“Dapat pong pag-aralan, kasi ito po ay kailangan din po. 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," Castro said.
"Hindi po ito basta-basta maaaring sabihin na huwag na lang gawin kung ito naman po ay makakasama sa safety. So, pag-aaralan pa rin po ito at huwag naman po natin agad husgahan na ito ay isang money-making device or strategy," she said.
"Hindi po ito basta-basta maaaring sabihin na huwag na lang gawin kung ito naman po ay makakasama sa safety. So, pag-aaralan pa rin po ito at huwag naman po natin agad husgahan na ito ay isang money-making device or strategy," she said.
The deadly accidents also prompted a proposal from the DOTr to limit to 4 hours the PUV drivers' daily shifts.
The deadly accidents also prompted a proposal from the DOTr to limit to 4 hours the PUV drivers' daily shifts.
But a group of bus operators in Metro Manila is asking the DOTr to rethink the proposal.
But a group of bus operators in Metro Manila is asking the DOTr to rethink the proposal.
Mega Manila Consortium President Juliet De Jesus said the proposed policy is not applicable for city bus operations due to the fewer number of drivers and shorter routes.
Mega Manila Consortium President Juliet De Jesus said the proposed policy is not applicable for city bus operations due to the fewer number of drivers and shorter routes.
—with a report from Albert Josef Lirio, ABS-CBN News
RELATED VIDEO
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
