Two sacked for testing positive; license confiscated
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), conducted a random drug testing for drivers at PITX on Thursday, 27 May, to further ensure passenger safety inside and outside the terminal.
A total of 112 drivers and conductors from Saint Anthony of Padua, San Agustin Transport Inc., and Batman Service Transport Inc. bus companies were tested for drug and alcohol use, two of whom came back with positive drug screening results. LTO has since confiscated the driver’s license of the two drivers.
“We take safety seriously,” said Jason Salvador, Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Head of PITX.
“Our passengers must feel safe and be safe at all times, whether they are in the landport or on the road. We expect our drivers to be 100% capable of doing their job and of keeping passengers safe. That is part of their responsibility.”
Aside from the drug testing of drivers, public utility buses were also subjected to roadworthiness inspection by LTO officers. Both activities are parts of a larger campaign launched by the landport in 2020: PITX Safe.
“The campaign is not just about the health and safety measures we’re implementing at PITX against COVID-19. It is also about our commitment to helping promote and ensure road safety for all, PITX passengers or not,” Mr. Salvador explained.
The random drug testing and roadworthiness inspection were done pursuant to Republic Act 10586, which penalizes persons driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and similar substances, and in celebration of the National Road Safety Month this May.
