The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted an inspection and random drug testing of bus drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Monday, October 26, ahead of the long weekend for the observance of Undas 2026.
Led by MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the inspection was conducted in coordination with representatives from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The conduct of the inspection is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen security, ensure the safety and convenience of travelers during the holiday period.
During the random drug testing at PITX, 32 bus drivers were tested, with 31 yielding negative results and one testing positive. In a separate random drug testing in three bus terminals in Cubao, 86 drivers were tested, with 85 tested negative and one tested positive.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the driver who tested positive will undergo confirmatory testing. As a precautionary measure, the driver was temporarily placed on hold and prohibited from driving while awaiting confirmation of the initial result.
“Part po ito para maging safe ang travel ng ating mga kababayan,” Artes added.
Meanwhile, PDEA Regional Director Derrick Carreon explained that drivers who initially tested positive would undergo confirmatory testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which can identify the specific substance detected in the initial screening.
Carreon added that if the confirmatory test shows that no prohibited drug was detected, the driver’s license would be returned.
For his part, LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao explained that if the confirmatory test confirms the presence of prohibited drugs, the driver’s license would be revoked in accordance with applicable regulations.
The random drug testing was conducted by the MMDA Medical Clinic, headed by Dr. Annabelle Ombina, in coordination with PDEA.
Aside from the random drug testing, they also inspected the availability and condition of fire extinguishers and emergency equipment, including early warning devices, to help ensure that buses are properly equipped to respond to emergencies.
The activities form part of the MMDA’s efforts to promote road safety and ensure safer travel for the public during the Undas holiday.
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