The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended 671 driver's licenses for testing positive for illegal drugs and involvement in road crash incidents during the Holy Week operations.
In a press conference, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II confirmed the suspension, citing it as part of a broader effort to ensure road safety nationwide.
“Suspend po tayo ng drivers as of today, 574, because of the road crashes and deaths. 97 are suspended because of drug-related, nag positive po sila," Mendoza said.
According to the LTO, this is the largest mass suspension in the history of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the critical responsibility that comes with holding a driver's license, particularly for PUV drivers who transport passengers daily.
"Kapag ikaw ay isang driver na nagmamaneho ng isang bus, jeep, at iba pang sasakyan na nagkakarga ng pasahero. Napakalaki ng iyong responsibilidad hindi lamang sa sarili mo kung pati na rin sa mga sumasakay say,” Dizon said.
“Kaya ang pagbigay sayo ng lisensya na ginagamit mo sa kabuhayan mo para kumita, pribilehiyo iyan na binibigay sayo pero may kaakibat na responsibilidad pangalagaan mo ang sinasakay mo pati na rin ang sarili mo," DOTr chief added.
In line with this, one notable case involved Louie Burgos, a bus driver whose license was permanently revoked after a viral video showed him in a high-speed chase with another bus in La Union, terrifying passengers on board.
"'Yung driver na kumaskas sa La Union na nahuli on Facebook, hindi lang po suspended, we are today revoking the license. Tinatanggalan na po natin ng lisensya 'yung driver," he said.
In response to such incidents, Secretary Dizon ordered the creation of a Special Task Force on Road Safety, which will be composed of the LTO, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).
Dizon said the task force aims to review existing regulations and develop stronger systems to prevent reckless driving and improve road safety across the country.
“Ang safety ay importante para sa mga kababayan natin,” Dizon added.
