CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — As travelers and motorists are expected to visit the CALABARZON region for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ramped up its monitoring and operations at public transport terminals to ensure the safety of the general public.
LTO CALABARZON Regional Director Elmer Decena said in a statement that the intensified inspection of public transport terminals and adjacent areas are organized to ensure that motorists and operators strictly comply with transportation laws and regulations.
“Ang kaligtasan ng bawat motorista at pasahero ang aming pangunahing prayoridad. Kaya ngayong papalapit ang Undas, mas pinaigting natin ang pagbabantay sa mga kalsada at terminal upang matiyak na ligtas at maayos ang paglalakbay ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi lamang tayo nakatuon sa paghuli sa mga lumalabag sa batas, kundi higit sa lahat, sa pag-iwas sa mga aksidenteng maaaring kumitil ng buhay,” Decena said.
The intensified operation is anchored on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO, which seeks to lessen the occurrence of road accidents, manage traffic conditions, and prioritize the safety and security of visitors and those individuals returning to their hometowns.
To assure commuters that public transportation remains safe and reliable during the observance of Undas, LTO also conducted a surprise random drug testing to ensure that drivers and operators comply with safety standards and do not use illegal substances.
Under the DOTr-LTO Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, 300 drivers were tested in the cities of Antipolo, Tagaytay, and Calamba, of which 297 tested negative, while three tested positive.
The individuals who tested positive were placed under the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing and appropriate legal action if the results are confirmed.
“Hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na ipahinto ang inyong pamamasada, kanselahin ang inyong lisensya, at isailalim kayo sa kaukulang kaso. Ang pagmamaneho sa ilalim ng impluwensya ng droga ay hindi lamang paglabag sa batas, ito ay direktang paglalagay sa panganib ng buhay ng inyong mga pasahero at ng iba pang motorista,” the director explained.
LTO reminded PUV drivers and operators to uphold discipline and responsibility and to place public safety in high regard, especially when a higher number of travelers is expected.
Decena assured the public that the agency will abide by its mandate to secure the roads and enforce traffic laws and regulations to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas. (CH, MJP/PIA-CALABARZON)
