AHEAD of the Undas 2026 long weekend, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spearheaded safety inspections and random drug testing for bus drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Monday, October 26.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes led the operations in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster security and guarantee safe, convenient travels for holiday commuters.
During the operations at PITX, 32 bus drivers underwent random drug screening, resulting in 31 negatives and one positive.
In a concurrent inspection across three major bus terminals in Cubao, 86 drivers were tested, yielding 85 negative results and one positive.
Chairman Artes announced that the two drivers who flagged positive have been temporarily placed on hold and barred from driving pending confirmatory tests.
PDEA Regional Director Derrick Carreon noted that the samples will undergo gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) verification.
If confirmed negative, their licenses will be reinstated; however, LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao warned that proven violations will result in immediate license revocation.
The screenings were administered by the MMDA Medical Clinic, led by Dr. Annabelle Ombina.
Beyond drug testing, authorities also inspected buses for required safety gear, including fire extinguishers and early warning devices, reinforcing the government’s commitment to road safety this Undas.
