The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducts a drug test on public utility bus drivers on Apr. 11, 2025. Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will issue show-cause orders for bus operators to explain why they should not face sanctions over their drivers and conductors who tested positive for illegal drugs, it said on Saturday, April 19.

The transportation regulator noted that 94 public utility vehicle drivers and two conductors tested positive for drugs among 3,270 individuals tested across the country during the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s ‘Oplan: Harabas’ on April 16.

Among the PUV drivers are 47 tricycle driver, 19 jeepney drivers, 13 bus drivers, 11 UV Express drivers, two motorcycle taxi riders, and one mini-bus driver and taxi driver each.

“It is unacceptable and deeply troubling that individuals entrusted with the safety of passengers are found to be operating vehicles under the influence of prohibited substances,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III.

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He said the operators have to be held liable "employing drivers who pose a clear risk to public safety."

The chair stressed that operators are responsible for ensuring their drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate public transport vehicles.

Under Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, it is illegal to drive any transportation vehicle under the influence of alcohol and dangerous drugs.

An individual found violating the law faces a P500,000 fine, three months' imprisonment, and revocation of their driver’s license.

Operators whose drivers are caught violating the law face the same penalties.

PDEA's Oplan: Harabas is a series of unannounced drug tests conducted on PUV drivers.

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