Mayor Alfredo S. Lim Sunday ordered that compulsory drug testing be done on bus drivers plying the streets of Manila in the wake of rising incidents of accidents involving buses.

He also gave strict orders that those who refuse to undergo such testing be prohibited from entering and operating in the city, more so if they test positive for drug abuse.

Lim directed his chief of staff Ric de Guzman to coordinate with the city health department and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the immediate, joint conduct of the drug testing.

“All bus drivers plying within Manila will not be allowed entry into the city unless they have undergone and been cleared of the required drug tests,” Lim said.

De Guzman said Lim’s order came in the wake of rising incidents of accidents involving buses.

The mayor said innocent lives and limbs are lost in the process, all owing to negligence on the part of the drivers.

He expressed particular concern that based on verified reports, some erring drivers are found to be under the influence of drugs, to stimulate their minds and senses in order to keep them awake, especially if they ply at night time.

“It is for this reason that Mayor Lim had, under his inherent power to protect the interest of the public, initiated compulsory drug tests on all bus drivers plying within the city, as a way of protecting the commuters and pedestrians and ensuring their safety while out on the streets,” De Guzman said.

Lim said the recent spate of bus accidents has already become alarming that concrete steps must be taken to ensure the safety both of the commuters and ordinary pedestrians as well.

Over at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), general manager Robert Nacianceno, said over radio, that operators of public utility vehicles should take the lead and not rely on the government in conducting random drug testing of their drivers in the wake of recent road mishaps involving passenger buses. (with a report by Kris Bayos)