Over the past few weeks, the government has kept making moves in response to the major accident involving a Solid North bus, including the implementation of regular mandatory drug testing among drivers and conductors of all bus companies.
Now, it appears that some employees of two bus companies tested positive for drugs. 10 drivers and six conductors from Victory Liner and two conductors from the aforementioned Solid North Transit were caught red-handed, and all of their driver’s licenses have been immediately revoked by the Land Transportation Office.
They were all found in violation of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, as well as Republic Act 4136. In addition to the revocation of licenses, the LTO has also perpetually disqualified all 18 violators from reacquiring driver’s or conductor’s licenses in the future.
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“Jurisprudence is also replete with cases wherein the Supreme Court rules that a license is merely a permit or privilege, and that such privilege granted by the State may be suspended or revoked in the exercise of its police power, in the interest of the public safety and welfare,” said LTO chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II. “In the case of these people, mas matindi ang requirement ng obligasyon sa kanila dahil they are driving and catering to the public transportation needs.”
Bus companies, meanwhile, were warned that their franchises will be in trouble if authorities discover that these drivers and conductors whose licenses were already revoked are still being allowed to operate.
