By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has expressed support for the Department of Transportation’s move to enforce mandatory drug testing for public utility vehicle drivers following recent fatal road accidents nationwide.
In a media interview on Monday, Benitez backed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s directive and emphasized the need for unannounced drug tests.
“If that is a directive from the DOTr—remember, for a drug test to be effective, it should be unannounced,” he said.
Benitez added that substances typically clear from a driver’s system within three days, especially with urine-based testing, making surprise tests essential.
City Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, said the DOTr has the authority to implement such measures.
Espino acknowledged that drivers may feel inconvenienced, but stressed that safety must take priority.
“It’s about time, and thank you, Sec. Dizon, for coming up with this,” he said.
On Monday, May 5, the DOTr issued Department Order No. 2025-008, mandating comprehensive drug and alcohol testing for all PUV drivers.
The order includes motorcycle taxi riders and requires drug testing before employment, with costs to be covered by operators or vehicle owners.
Secretary Dizon also ordered the reduction of maximum driving hours for PUV drivers from six to four.
The measure reflects the government’s push for stricter road safety policies in line with the President’s directive to make the country’s roads safer.
