The Department of Transportation is now officially requiring PUV drivers, including motorcycle taxi riders, to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing. Department Order. 2025-008 was issued on May 5, 2025, and outlines the frequency and scope of this new mandate.
On the morning of the same day, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon ideated several new policies that he believed would make roads safer, key among those being the reintroduction of the No Contact Apprehension Program and regular substance testing for PUV drivers.
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DO. 2025-008 puts the latter into motion as PUV and motorcycle taxi drivers will now have to be tested for drugs every six months—originally, Dizon suggested that testing should be done every 90 days. The order also allows those suspected of drug use to be subject to random testing.
In the event of an accident, the involved PUV drivers will be required to take a drug test and verify their blood alcohol concentration within eight hours after the occurrence. Drivers with clean tests will then need to have a copy of their test results with them while operating their vehicles.
While drug testing will be done every six months, drivers will need to pass a breath analyzer test before operating their vehicle—it is unclear if drivers need to verify their BAC before every trip, or just before working a shift, for example. Drivers must score a BAC of 0.0% before assuming any control.
If their BAC scores higher than 0.0%, or in the event of a failed drug test, drivers will be barred from operating and will need to undergo a confirming drug or alcohol test. Once completed, they will need to submit their results to the Land Transportation Office.
It should be noted that the DOTr specifically mentioned that the cost of these drug tests will be shouldered by the owner or operator of the vehicle, but should not be deducted from the driver’s salary.
Under this order, the LTO has the power to confiscate the licenses of violating drivers and impound their vehicles. The Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board can then suspend operations and businesses for up to 90 days while the offense is settled.
