Following a string of fatal vehicular accidents, including a deadly crash along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and another at NAIA Terminal 1, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon announced sweeping reforms in driver regulation and road safety.
In a press briefing, Dizon confirmed that mandatory drug testing will now be implemented for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. The DOTr is currently coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to finalize the procedures.
In addition, a new policy will limit maximum consecutive driving hours from six to four. If a trip exceeds four hours, the driver must have a co-driver on board.
Dizon also called for full enforcement of the speed limit law, stricter road worthiness checks, and stronger driver education programs, which he tasked the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to oversee.
The transport chief expressed concern over the alarming frequency of fatal road incidents. “Even I feel anxious when I see buses on SCTEX or NLEX,” Dizon admitted.
He extended condolences to the families of the 10 victims in the SCTEX tragedy and the two individuals who recently died at NAIA Terminal 1.
These reforms aim to tighten safety measures across the country’s public transport sector, with more detailed implementation plans expected in the coming weeks.
