PDEA, LTO conduct random drug tests on Iloilo taxi drivers

ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have begun conducting random drug tests on taxi drivers operating in Iloilo City as part of a broader initiative to ensure public transport safety.

The screening program targeted operators of Jhelord Taxi, a local transportation company that maintains a fleet of 154 vehicles with approximately 160 drivers on its roster. The move aligns with existing regulations requiring public transport operators to maintain strict compliance standards for personnel safety and passenger protection.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by national and regional authorities to enforce stricter standards across the transportation sector. Random drug testing has become an increasingly common safety measure implemented by regulatory bodies to identify potential risks and maintain professional standards among transport workers.

The PDEA and LTO did not immediately disclose further details regarding the scope of the testing program, including the number of drivers screened or any results from the initial round of testing. The agencies have previously emphasized the importance of such preventive measures in safeguarding commuters and maintaining the integrity of public transport operations.

Transport operators are expected to cooperate fully with regulatory agencies conducting such inspections as part of their obligations to maintain operational licenses and certifications in the region.