MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on May 5, 2025, a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety in response to recent catastrophic vehicle accidents.

The measures come in the wake of a tragic incident on May 2, where a Solid North bus collided with multiple vehicles at the SCTEX toll plaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including several minors.

Another collision occurred when an SUV crashed into the entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, claiming the lives of two people, one of whom was a toddler.

During a press conference, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged public concerns regarding road safety, stating, "People do not feel safe on our streets.

That is the reality...

I have been directed by the President to act and to fix it."

To address these concerns, the DOTr has instituted mandatory drug testing for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers every 90 days.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will collaborate with the DOTr to implement this policy, which is expected to take effect immediately upon Dizon's signing of the department order.

In addition to drug testing, the DOTr will reduce the maximum number of consecutive driving hours allowed for drivers from six hours to four.

For trips exceeding four hours, transport operators will be mandated to provide a reliever driver.

Dizon further urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to enhance procedures for ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles, stating that current checks have not been adequately enforced, remarking, "The buses and jeeps are not really checked."

Stricter measures for assessing vehicle condition will be developed in alignment with international standards.

Additionally, there will be more rigorous requirements for large vehicle drivers, with a focus on improved educational and testing protocols to prevent the facilitation of corruption in the licensing process.

The DOTr is also seeking to fully implement the Road Speed Limiter Act, which necessitates the installation of speed limiters on PUVs. Dizon highlighted that the market currently depends on a single supplier for these devices and underscored the importance of expanding supplier options.

Lastly, the proposal for the establishment of a Public Transport Safety Board, aimed at institutionalizing transport safety reforms, is also on the agenda for legislative action.