Iloilo taxi drivers undergo random drug tests

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas conducted random drug testing on taxi drivers in Iloilo City to help ensure passenger safety and compliance with public transport regulations.

The screening was conducted among drivers of Jhelord Taxi, which operates 154 units with about 160 drivers. Company management coordinated with the two agencies for the testing.

Jhelord president Jim Biñas said about 50 to 60 drivers were randomly selected through a raffle.

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“With 160 drivers, monitoring everyone individually is difficult. That is exactly why we requested this random drug test—to make sure that the drivers are drug-free,” Biñas said.

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The operation used a rapid urine screening test, with preliminary positive results subject to confirmatory testing at a PDEA drug laboratory.

The initiative is in line with a Department of Transportation memorandum issued in May 2025 requiring public utility vehicle operators to conduct drug screening for drivers every six months, as well as periodic random testing.

Under the directive, operators must shoulder the cost of the tests and prevent drivers who test positive from being dispatched pending confirmatory testing and appropriate action.

Biñas said the company would continue coordinating with PDEA and LTO to strengthen its drug-testing and safety protocols. /cb