The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered the revocation of licenses of three drivers and two conductors who tested positive for illegal drugs during a random drug testing operation at a bus terminal in Pasay City, officials.

The directive was issued under the leadership of LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao following the results of a terminal inspection conducted at the Baclaran Metrolink terminal in Malibay at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, May 31.

Authorities said a total of 64 drivers and conductors underwent initial drug screening, with five individuals — three drivers and two conductors — returning positive results.

Among those who tested positive was a bus driver previously involved in a road crash along EDSA, where the vehicle reportedly slammed into roadside barriers after the driver was allegedly texting while driving.

Lacanilao said driving under the influence of illegal drugs poses a serious threat to public safety.

“Ang pagmamaneho habang nasa impluwensya ng ilegal na droga ay isang seryosong banta sa kaligtasan ng publiko. Hindi natin hahayaan na patuloy na magmaneho ang mga taong naglalagay sa panganib sa buhay ng kanilang mga pasahero at kapwa nila gumagamit ng kalsada,” he said.

The licenses of the individuals involved have been temporarily confiscated pending the results of confirmatory drug tests. However, the LTO has already initiated the process for the revocation of their licenses in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The operation forms part of the agency’s intensified enforcement of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

The LTO said it will continue to conduct random drug testing and terminal inspections nationwide as part of efforts to ensure safer public transportation and to guarantee that drivers tasked with passengers’ lives are fit to operate vehicles.