Licenses of 3 PUV drivers revoked due to drug use

Local

THREE public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Cebu have lost their licenses for good after testing positive for illegal drug use during random inspections conducted by the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7).

According to LTO-7 Director Glen Galario, the three drivers initially tested positive during surprise screenings at the North and South Bus Terminals in Cebu City during Holy Week in April 2025.

Confirmatory tests later validated the initial results, prompting LTO 7 to revoke the drivers’ licenses. The agency explained that confirmatory testing is required before any license revocation is finalized.

The three individuals are the first public utility vehicle drivers in Central Visayas this year to have their licenses permanently revoked due to drug-related violations.

“This is a warning to all drivers, not just of public utility vehicles but to everyone who uses our roads. We need to ensure that not only are our vehicles roadworthy but our drivers as well,” he said.

Galario reminded the public that driving is a responsibility that comes with strict standards.

“Dili tanan pwede makakuha anang driver’s license. We have been very strict with our requirements for getting a driver’s license. Gikan sa certificates from our accredited driving schools to taking the necessary exams before one can possess a driver’s license,” he added.

From January 1 to July 22, 2025, LTO 7 also revoked 12 other licenses of drivers who accumulated more than 40 demerit points.

In the same period, the agency suspended 411 licenses due to violations such as reckless driving, operating a vehicle without a valid license, failure to wear seatbelts, and overcharging passengers or violating franchise rules.

Twenty-eight more drivers are facing possible revocation or suspension of their licenses due to road crashes and violations that were captured in viral online videos.

Five vloggers were also sanctioned in the first half of the year for traffic offenses. Some had their licenses suspended, while others were issued temporary operator’s permits.

The crackdown follows Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. The law penalizes individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs with fines, imprisonment, and revocation of licenses.

Under Section 12, permanent revocation applies if the violation results in property damage, injury, or death.(MyTVCebu)