Bus drivers and conductors at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) underwent random drug testing as part of safety measures amid the influx of passengers this Undas season.
According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, 200 underwent the drug screening but none of the drivers and conductors tested positive.
The bus drivers and conductors welcomed the screening.
“Makakasiguro ang mga pasahero natin at saka ligtas ang biyahe namin,” one said.
(The passengers can be assured of the safety of their trip.)
“Maganda ‘yun para protektado lahat tayo at walang pagkakamali, at tama lang ang ginagawa ng enforcement natin para iwas aksidente,” another said.
(It would be good for everyone to ensure that everyone is protected and there will be no mishaps. Our enforcement is doing it right.)
Passengers at the terminal also supported the drug testing.
“Maganda nga yung nagda-drug test para iwas disgrasya,” a passenger said. She added that experienced riding in a bus where the driver was overspeeding.
(It’s nice that there’s a drug testing so there will be no accidents.)
Drivers who fail the drug test will have their license suspended and must undergo confirmatory test and intervention before getting back on the road, according to the report.
While none of the bus drivers and conductors tested positive, a passerby who went to the PITX to avail of the free drug testing tested positive. But he claimed that it could be because of his maintenance medicines.
“Walang problema, Sir, kasi hindi naman ako nagbabiyahe,” he said.
(There’s no problem for me because I don’t drive.)
But the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said that drug test results are still subject to confirmatory tests.
“Any presumptive results of a positive indicator will be subject to a confirmatory test. Hindi conclusive ito, these are just screening tests to determine for use of dangerous drugs and other intoxicants,” said PDEA regional director Derrick Carreon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation is keen to conduct regular drug testing among drivers.
“Hahanapin po namin ng paraan na it will become a policy…na hindi lang sa ganitong panahon, pero every now and then, we should do random drug testing,” said Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, adding that the test must be done in every parts of the country.
(We will make a way to make this into a policy…that we will not only do this during this season but every now and then, we should do random drug testing.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News
