DOTR ISSUES MANDATORY ALCOHOL, DRUG TESTING TO ALL PUV DRIVERS

In a decisive move to reinforce road safety, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued Department Order No. 2025-008, mandating comprehensive alcohol and drug testing for all drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Under the directive, PUV drivers, including motorcycle taxi riders, shall be subject to regular mandatory drug testing before employment.

The testing cost must be shouldered by the operators and owners of the vehicles.

The new order underscores the government’s commitment to implementing a stricter road safety plan nationwide pursuant to the President’s directive to make the country’s roads safe again.

Meanwhile, in response to a series of deadly vehicular accidents that have left numerous people dead, the DOTr is implementing a mandatory drug and alcohol test on drivers of public utility vehicles  every six months.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also said PUVs would likewise undergo road testing to determine their roadworthiness. |

According to Dizon, the new policy forms part of several initiatives to address road safety.