Permanent driving ban for bus driver in fatal SCTEX accident

It wasn’t a pleasant first day of May, as tragedy struck at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), where at least 10 individuals, including children, were casualties when a Pangasinan Solid North bus rammed into several vehicles in line for the toll.

The bus driver, who refused to undergo drug testing post-incident, has been perpetually barred by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from driving a vehicle again.

“Respondent (with driver details) is held administratively liable for violation of Sec. 8 of R.A. No. 10586 (Refusal to Subject Oneself to Mandatory Test). Further, his Driver’s License is hereby revoked, and he is perpetually disqualified from being granted a new driver’s license and from driving a motor vehicle. Likewise, he is required to surrender his driver’s license to the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division.”

Driver refused drug testing due to ‘Cobra’

According to the resolution by the LTO, the bus driver refused to undergo the mandatory drug testing after the incident, saying that he had taken his “medicine” of Cobra. Cobra is a popular and affordable brand of energy drink sold almost everywhere in the country.

“However, Mr. Silvallana refused to undergo the mandatory drug test for his personal reason that he had taken his medicine, particularly “Cobra.”

Under existing rules, a professional driver’s license holder should submit to mandatory drug testing, especially if involved in an accident. Refusal to undergo drug testing merits a violation under R.A. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

“For drivers, especially Public Utility Vehicle companies, if you don’t think we are serious, you are mistaken. Those licenses will be revoked, and I am already having the LTFRB and the LTO double-check if those drivers are truly no longer driving,” said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Additionally, the Sec. Dizon warned all bus and other PUV operators that employing drivers with revoked licenses will be grounds for the immediate revocation of their franchise.