Public bus drivers in Quezon City and Pasay City were given surprise drug tests today by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other government agencies in preparation for All Saint’s Day on Friday.
Called Undaspot (“Undas” is the Filipino word for All Saint’s Day), the drug tests were conducted in bus terminals owned by operators JAC Liner Bus, Philtranco, Partas Bus, and Five Star Bus Terminal, according to The Philippine Daily Inquirer. According to PDEA Deputy General for Operations Gregorio Pimentel, this was done to protect travelers who are heading home to the provinces for the holiday.
“It’s for the safety, security of the commuting public; this will ensure that they will be with a driver who is not under the influence of drugs or who is drunk,” Pimentel said.
Aside from conducting the drug tests, the authorities also brought K-9 units to the terminals to check if the buses contained illegal drugs, the Manila Bulletin reports. The government agencies involved also disseminated materials educating the bus drivers about the dangers of using drugs, according to GMA News. It’s unclear how many drivers tested positive during the tests, but those who refused to submit to the tests were reported to the Land Transportation Office.
Most Filipinos travel from the cities to their respective hometowns during Undas in order to visit the tombs of their deceased family members. They also use the holiday to touch base with family and friends they may not have seen for a long time.
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