DOTr Issues Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Testing for All PUV Drivers

In a decisive move to enhance road safety and public accountability, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued Department Order No. 2025-008, mandating mandatory alcohol and drug testing for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers—including motorcycle taxis. This sweeping reform, signed by DOTr Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, is a direct response to recent deadly accidents involving public transport and is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fix the country’s broken road safety systems.

Tragedies That Prompted the Policy

The new order follows a series of tragic road incidents, most notably a fatal bus crash along the SCTEX (Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway) on May 1, 2025, that claimed 10 lives, including four children, and injured over 30 others. The crash occurred when a passenger bus slammed into multiple vehicles waiting at the Tarlac City toll plaza. Initial reports indicate that the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel, leading to the horrific collision.

Section 3: Obligations of the Operator or Owner

Under the Department Order, PUV operators and owners are now required to:

1. Test drivers for alcohol concentration using a breath analyzer or similar device before employment, dispatch, or deployment.
2. Require drivers to undergo a drug screening test every six (6) months from the start of employment. Random and reasonable suspicion-based testing must also be conducted.
3. Ensure all drivers carry valid drug and alcohol test results while operating the vehicle.
4. Prevent the use of falsified or fraudulent test results, ensuring tests are conducted in authorized and accredited facilities.
5. Disallow deployment of drivers who test positive for dangerous drugs or exceed the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05%.
6. In cases of positive results:
   • a) Hold the driver’s deployment,
   • b) Require a confirmatory test, and
   • c) Report the driver’s name and license number to the LTO, along with the test result.
7. All testing costs must be shouldered by the operator or owner and must not be deducted from the driver’s salary.

Section 4: Obligations of the Driver

PUV drivers also have clearly defined responsibilities:

1. Submit to BAC and drug screening tests as required by the operator or employer.
2. Carry the latest copies of their test results while operating a public utility vehicle.
3. Submit the results to the operator, LTO, or any authorized enforcement agency upon request.
4. Avoid the use of falsified or fraudulent test documents.

Drivers who fail to comply may face revocation of their license by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Section 5: Enforcement Power of the LTO

The LTO is authorized to:

• Demand submission of alcohol and drug test results during random roadside inspections or apprehensions.
• If a driver fails to present valid test results, the LTO may:
  • Confiscate the driver’s license, and
  • Impound the vehicle until the proper documentation is provided.

Vehicle release is conditional on the operator’s compliance with all testing requirements, without prejudice to further penalties under existing laws.

Section 6: Role of the LTFRB

Within 15 days of the order’s effectivity, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must issue implementing guidelines. These include requiring test results as part of applications for:

• Franchise approvals, CPC renewals, Provisional Authorities, or Special Permits.

Non-compliance may lead to denial or cancellation of such applications. The LTFRB, LTO, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will coordinate to ensure thorough enforcement.

Backed by Presidential Directive

Transportation Secretary Dizon stressed that these measures are in direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for justice and systemic reform after the recent string of fatal accidents.

“From the President himself, we must get these families justice,” Dizon said.
“Kung akala niyo nagbibiro kami, nagkakamali kayo. Buhay ito eh. Lives are at stake. We need to make the people feel safe on our roads again.”

Complementary Safety Measures

The DOTr is also implementing:

• Reduction of bus driving hours from six to four.
• Stricter roadworthiness inspections.
• Immediate enforcement of the Speed Limiter Law.
• 90-day suspension of negligent or abusive drivers.
• Support for the creation of a Public Transport Safety Board.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance will result in:

• Suspension or cancellation of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA), or Special Permit.
• 90-day vehicle registration suspension.
• Revocation of driver’s licenses for those who refuse to comply with testing or are caught submitting fraudulent results.

These are in addition to existing civil and criminal penalties under the law.

Effectivity

DOTr Department Order No. 2025-008 takes effect ten (10) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register at the UP Law Center.

SOURCE: Department of Transportation