Seven Bacolod drivers face license revocation after drug tests

BACOLOD CITY – Seven drivers face the revocation of their licenses after testing positive in confirmatory drug tests following the Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region’s (LTO-NIR) Oplan Harabas-Undas operation.

LTO-NIR director Jeck Conlu said the group includes four tricycle drivers, one taxi driver and two truck drivers.

The seven were among 100 drivers screened during random drug testing at the Bacolod North Bus Terminal on Oct. 30.

All seven initially tested positive and later received positive confirmatory results from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s laboratory in Iloilo, Conlu said.

He said the agency is set to issue a resolution concerning the revocation of their licenses within the week.

The LTO-NIR is also proceeding with regulatory and administrative actions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Conlu said the drivers will be directed to surrender their licenses to the LTO once they are informed of their sanctions.

He said they may appeal, subject to evaluation, particularly if they undergo programs addressing illegal drug use.

“They can appeal. Wala man na state sa law kung until pila ka years lang ang revocation of their licenses. It depends whether their appeal will be approved,” Conlu said.

The LTO-NIR reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against drug-impaired driving.

Assistant Regional Director Monico Puentevella Jr., who volunteered to undergo testing first during the operation, said driving under the influence of dangerous drugs endangers drivers, passengers and other road users.

He said the agency’s responsibility extends beyond enforcement to ensuring that drivers are fit, qualified and capable of operating vehicles safely.

“There is no room for illegal drugs behind the wheel kay isa lang ka impaired decision can cost innocent lives. We will never compromise road safety,” he said in a statement.

In November 2025, the LTO-NIR ordered the permanent revocation of the licenses of six public utility vehicle drivers who tested positive for illegal drug use during an Undas inspection.