LTO eyes random bus inspections, driver drug tests for Holy Week exodus
Land Transportation Office Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II. Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is planning to conduct “random and surprise” inspections to ensure buses’ road worthiness as well as drug tests to ensure drivers’ mental and physical readiness.
LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II said this in a statement on Thursday, adding that the directive was in line with the agency’s preparations for the Holy Week exodus.
“My instruction is more on proactive measures through visibility in major thoroughfares for assistance and law enforcement, and the conduct of random and surprise inspections on bus terminals to ensure the road worthiness of passenger buses,” Mendoza said.
“We also have to ensure the mental and physical readiness of our drivers and conductor, so if need be, we’ll be doing random and surprise drug testing,” the LTO Chief added in Filipino.
READ: MMDA deploying over 2,500 personnel for Holy Week assistance
He further said LTO personnel will be present not only in bus terminals and major thoroughfares but also on roads leading to seaports and airports across the country.
Mendoza added that he ordered the agency to assist local government units in their security plans for the holiday exodus.
