The driver of the Solid North bus involved in the fatal crash that killed 10 people along Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway last week tested negative for illegal drugs, according to authorities.
Based on a document released by the Philippine National Police Regional Forensic Unit 3 - Tarlac Provincial Forensic Unit, Teodoro Merjan y Silvallana submitted urine samples for testing.
"Screening tests conducted on the above-stated specimen gave NEGATIVE result to the test for the presence of Metamphetamine and THC metabolites, dangerous drugs," the findings read.
Earlier, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered a mandatory drug test for all drivers of the said bus company.
"Ang lahat ng 273 buses ng Solid North ay mag-uundergo ng strict road worthiness inspections. Lahat ng driver ng Solid North, dahil sa nangyari, i-mamandate namin ng compulsory drug testing," said Dizon.
"Nabalitaan namin na 'yung driver na 'yan, ayaw daw magpadrug test. Hindi pwedeng ayaw, mandatory 'yan."
The operations of Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. have been suspended for 30 days following the incident, which killed 10 individuals — including four children — and injured 37 others.
Meanwhile, the bus company assured the public that it will comply with the suspension, stating that it "will be responsible and accountable" for the incident.
On Sunday, Secretary Dizon visited the wake of eight of the deceased at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Antipolo and extended his condolences and support to the bereaved families.
According to report, the family was on their way to a church activity when the bus rear-ended their vehicle. Only the bus driver survived the collision. Meanwhile, three other vehicles were also involved in the crash, where two passengers from a Kia Sonet were also killed.
The driver of the bus admitted that he had fallen asleep at the time of the accident.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now studying the possible implementation of mandatory speed meters in public utility vehicles and imposing limits on bus drivers' working hours.
