The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced Tuesday the revocation of licenses of 18 drivers and conductors from two major bus companies for testing positive in random and surprise drug tests.

LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, said the decision was based on Republic Act 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) and Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which specifically prohibits driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

“Jurisprudence is also replete with cases wherein the Supreme Court rules that a license is merely a permit or privilege, and that such privilege granted by the state may be suspended or revoked in the exercise of its police power, in the interest of public safety and welfare,” Mendoza said.

“In the case of these people, the requirement is more stringent because they are driving and catering to the public transportation needs,” he added.

Of those whose licenses were revoked, 10 drivers and six conductors were from Victory Liner. Two conductors from Solid North Transport Inc. also tested positive in the drug test conducted on 5 May.

“Aside from the revocation of the licenses, they were also perpetually disqualified from being granted both a driver’s license and a conductor’s license,” Mendoza said.

Under the instruction of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the LTO has been aggressive in going after erring motorists to ensure the safety of all road users, amid rising incidents of fatal road crashes.

During Holy Week alone, 98 licenses of bus drivers were revoked for various offenses, while more than 1,100 were issued show-cause orders.

Secretary Dizon also warned bus companies that their franchises will be revoked if it is discovered that these disqualified individuals are still being allowed to drive.

For his part, Mendoza reminded motorists to strictly comply with government regulations in exchange for the privilege to drive: to be courteous, disciplined, and responsible road users.

“As Secretary Dizon said, the government will no longer tolerate the wrongdoings of motorists because what’s at stake here are people’s lives,” Mendoza emphasized.