Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to ensure road safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has revoked the licenses of 18 drivers and conductors from two major bus companies after they tested positive in random and surprise drug tests.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the decision is in line with Republic Act 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) and Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), which prohibit individuals from driving under the influence of illegal drugs.
“Jurisprudence is clear: a driver’s license is not a right, but a privilege granted by the State—and that privilege can be revoked in the name of public safety,” said Asec. Mendoza.
“For those entrusted with the lives of passengers, the responsibility is even greater.”
Among those whose licenses were revoked were 10 drivers and 6 conductors from Victory Liner, while 2 conductors from Solid North Transport, Inc. also lost their licenses after testing positive during a May 5 drug test.
Asec. Mendoza emphasized that beyond revoking their licenses, the individuals involved have been permanently disqualified from ever obtaining a driver’s or conductor’s license in the future.
The move is part of the LTO’s intensified crackdown on erring motorists, especially in the public transport sector, amid rising concerns over road crashes and passenger safety.
During the Holy Week alone, the LTO revoked 98 licenses of bus drivers for various offenses and issued more than 1,100 Show Cause Orders (SCOs).
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon also warned bus companies that their franchises may be revoked if found to be allowing disqualified individuals to operate.
Asec. Mendoza reiterated that road safety is a non-negotiable priority of the government and reminded all motorists to uphold the standards of courtesy, discipline, and responsibility expected in exchange for the privilege to drive.
“As Secretary Dizon rightly said, the government will not turn a blind eye to the violations of reckless drivers—because what’s at stake here are people’s lives,” Mendoza concluded.