10 Calabarzon PUV drivers test positive in LTO drug tests

LUCENA CITY — At least 10 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the Calabarzon region tested positive for illegal drugs during surprise drug tests conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) at public transport terminals ahead of the Undas travel rush.

In a report on Wednesday (October 28), the LTO in Region IV-A said one jeepney driver out of 100 PUV drivers subjected to random drug testing during an operation in Lipa City terminal tested positive for drug use.

In Batangas City, four of 100 PUV drivers also tested positive for drug consumption.

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READ: MMDA: 2 bus drivers test positive for drugs ahead of Undas

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In Lucena City and San Pablo City, two tricycle drivers were among 200 PUV drivers tested and found positive.

Three tricycle drivers in Antipolo City tested positive during random drug testing involving 300 PUV drivers in Antipolo City, Tagaytay City, and Calamba City, the LTO regional office reported on Tuesday (October 27).

The 10 drivers will undergo confirmatory testing. If the results remain positive, the LTO will refer their cases for their driver’s licenses’ revocation, the agency said.

“The fact that 10 drivers tested positive in the random drug tests conducted during this Undas season is a serious matter that we cannot afford to ignore. We are issuing a stern warning: there is no place on our roads for drivers who use illegal drugs,” said Elmer J. Decena, LTO Calabarzon regional director. 

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“We will not allow the lives of passengers and motorists to be put at risk because of irresponsible driving,” he stressed.

Last week, LTO personnel in Calabarzon launched the agency’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos! Undas 2026” road safety campaign in preparation for the expected increase in travel during the annual observance.

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The initiative aims to maintain traffic order and promote road safety as more people travel to their home provinces, cemeteries, and other destinations to honor their departed loved ones.

The LTO said the campaign includes coordination among personnel and the deployment of teams across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon to help manage traffic and ensure safer travel./coa