Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced Wednesday the suspension of 671 public utility drivers following a surge in road accidents and drug-related violations — with more sanctions, including license revocations, on the horizon.

“We are suspending 671 drivers — not just those who tested positive for drugs, but everyone involved in serious road incidents,” Dizon said in a press conference at the Land Transportation Office (LTO). “One driver caught speeding in La Union is having his license revoked today. This is just the beginning.”

Suspensions, revoked licenses start now

“This is not just talk,” Dizon stressed. “The government has the authority to revoke that privilege. And now, it will.”

Following the alarming number of road crashes during the recent Holy Week exodus — and the results of random drug testing — Dizon announced what he called an “unprecedented” move: 671 drivers are being suspended effective immediately. Among them, 97 tested positive for drug use in tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“That is completely unacceptable,” Dizon said. “Some drivers thought the government would continue doing nothing. That ends today.”

The secretary cited a case that went viral on social media involving a reckless driver caught on video speeding in La Union. “Not only is that driver suspended — his license is being revoked. And the bus company? The LTFRB has issued them a show-cause order asking why they’re tolerating such behavior.”

'We are serious'

“We know it’s tough to lose your job right now,” Dizon said. “But we won’t allow this anymore. We are serious.”

According to LTO Chief ASec. Vigor Mendoza III, of the 671 suspensions, 574 are due to road crashes resulting in injuries or death. The remaining 97 were tied to drug use.

On top of this, 1,165 vehicles failed roadworthiness inspections. Show-cause orders have also been issued for their operators.

Safety, Mendoza said, will not be compromised. “We’re forming two dedicated teams — one focusing on drugs and alcoholism, and another on unsightly, unfit vehicles. You can tell just by looking that some of these shouldn’t be on the road.”

Task force created

Secretary Dizon also announced the creation of a special task force composed of the DOTr, LTO, and LTFRB to review all road safety policies.

“This can no longer be taken lightly. Especially with big vehicles like buses and trucks — those are deadly. You have no chance when something goes wrong,” Dizon warned.

He recounted a recent case of a bus crashing in the busway after losing its brakes. “How did that bus even get registered? Why was it approved? That means there’s a systemic problem. And that’s what we’re fixing now.”

A nationwide crackdown on road-unworthy vehicles will follow. “Are these truck and bus drivers even qualified? Driving those is no joke. Are they really being tested? Because clearly, our current systems aren’t working.”

'This is just the start'

Dizon emphasized that the figure of 671 suspensions is not final. “This is just the beginning. The LTO is still investigating. There will be more.”

Some violators may also face criminal charges, he added. “Yes, they’ll lose their jobs — but many will also be sued.”

Dizon admitted that systemic issues within licensing, vehicle registration, and testing procedures have played a role. But the clean-up begins now.

The DOTr will also coordinate with the PNP and Highway Patrol Group to assist in enforcement. Hotline numbers for public reports will be announced soon.

“We will also be sending show-cause orders to companies,” Dizon said. “This is no longer a warning. This is action. Tumino-tino na po kayo kung ayaw niyong mawalan ng trabaho.”