Marcos directs DOTr to enhance commuter protection from abusive drivers

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to enhance protection for commuters from abusive public transport drivers.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued show cause orders to 1,165 vehicle owners and suspended 671 drivers' licenses due to road crashes and drug test results.

Of those suspended, 547 were involved in road crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities, while 97 tested positive for illegal drugs; additionally, 1,100 vehicles failed road worthiness inspections.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon established a special task force to review road safety policies and procedures following the World Health Organization's report on rising traffic deaths in the Philippines.

The government aims to promote road safety through these measures and supports proposed legislation that would prevent the detention of drivers who can prove they were victims or have completed defensive driving courses, while also ensuring due process is followed.