5 PUV drivers test positive for drugs in surprise LTO inspection

Five PUV drivers tested positive for drugs during a surprise drug testing and anti-colorum operation conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by LTO on Thursday, over 101 PUV drivers underwent surprise drug tests as part of the department’s roadworthiness inspections.

The surprise inspections will continue as part of LTO’s preparations for the impending Undas and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections when Filipinos are anticipated to travel back to their provinces in droves.

“Umpisa pa lang ito ng agresibong operasyon na gagawin ng inyong LTO hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila kung hindi sa buong bansa. Magsilbi sana itong babala sa mga driver at operator ng mga colorum na sasakyan na ito na tumigil na sa iligal nilang gawain,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II.

[This is the start of our aggressive operations not only here in Metro Manila but in the entire country. This should serve as a warning to drivers and operators of colorum vehicles to stop their illegal activity.]

Meanwhile, the department was also able to impound 9 buses, 3 UV Express vehicles, 2 jeepneys and 1 taxi in an effort to strengthen their intelligence gathering for the implementation of laws against colorum PUVs.

Fourteen vehicles were reportedly unable to present adequate documents to prove their license to operate.

“Mahigpit ang bilin ng ating DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista tungkol sa mga colorum na ito dahil ang naapektuhan ng mga iligal na operasyon ay mga lehitimong mga driver at operator na sumusunod sa alituntunin ng ating pamahalaan,” Mendoza said. 

[DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista has strict directive against colorum vehicles because this illegal operation affects legitimate drivers and operators who follow government rules.] — RSJ, GMA Integrated News