We need stricter law enforcement and imposition of stiff penalties to stem the rising incidence of road tragedies involving drivers that were drunk or high on illegal drugs.
With the continued proliferation of illegal drugs, it is about time to ensure compliance against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, particularly in the operation of public utility vehicles (PUV).
Recent drug tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at PUV terminals in different localities resulted in at least 55 out of 4,470 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) testing positive for drug use suspected to be shabu (crystal meth), marijuana or other illegal drugs.
One might say 55 is but a small percentage of 4,470 but we must consider the huge number of passengers they have on board the PUV buses and jeepneys that they operate day in and day out. A commuter or provincial bus carry up to 60 to 80 passengers at a time while jeepney load up to 25 passengers.
Note that 25 of the 55 who tested positive were PUV drivers in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Indeed, only a small percentage of the country's PUV drivers have been tested, and more mandatory drug testing at more PUV terminals will be administered under PDEA’s “Oplan Harabas.”
Bus, jeepney, taxicab and tricycle operators must require their drivers to pass regular drug testing before being deployed and report to the authorities those who fail the test. There have been reports that taxicab and tricycle drivers are involved in drug trafficking, serving as "runners" for drug dealers.
Under Republic Act 10586 or "The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013," anyone found driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs or other similar substances will have his professional license revoked.
Unfortunately, this law has been strictly imposed, allowing many drugged maniacs drive PUVs like rolling coffins, meaning that mind-twisting drugs lead to road tragedies and claim innocent lives, just-like drug-driven violent crimes.
PDEA Director-General Aaron Aquino disclosed that from January 2018 to January 2019, at least 3,654 drivers, bus conductors and dispatchers were arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Those figures seem to me more like an “epidemic” of drugged driving cases.