Among the bus terminals inspected were Five Star, Genesis Transport Services, and Baliwag Transit. MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes and General Manager Usec. Procopio Lipana led the inspection of bus terminals. They were joined by PNP - Highway Patrol Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the local government unit of Quezon City.
MMDA added that a total of 42 bus drivers and conductors were subjected to a random drug test.
"No driver or conductor has been tested positive for drug use," Artes said.
For his part, PDEA-NCR Regional Director Emerson Rosales said that if a bus driver tested positive for illegal drug use, he will no longer be allowed to drive.
The random drug testing was done by the MMDA Medical Clinic headed by Dr. Annabelle Ombina and PDEA.
Further, the MMDA chief mentioned that provincial buses are allowed to traverse EDSA starting April 3 to 5, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am; and from April 6 to 10, round-the-clock to accommodate the expected influx of passengers.
Meanwhile, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme in the National Capital Region is suspended during the Holy Week from April 6 (Maundy Thursday) until April 10 (Monday), which are declared holidays. On, April 5, the number coding will be suspended in the afternoon, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Under MMDA's Oplan Metro Alalay Semana Santa 2023, a total of 2,104 personnel are deployed on major thoroughfares, major transport hubs, and key areas in the metropolis to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow this Lenten season.
MMDA added that the deployed personnel are also prohibited to be on leave on April 5, 6, and 10, while skeletal deployment will be enforced on April 7, 8, and 9 to focus on the usual “Visita Iglesia” sites, including the “Panata Route” going to Antipolo and the Grotto. (MMDA/PIA-NCR)
