The city council of Tagbilaran has approved an ordinance requiring mandatory monthly drug tests for all public utility vehicle drivers.
The measure, approved on third and final reading during a regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala, aims to ensure drug-free public transportation.
City Councilor Fausto “Bebot” Budlong, chairman of the Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety and the ordinance’s author, said the rule also seeks to reduce accidents and promote the highest level of driver alertness and responsibility.
The move follows numerous traffic violations linked to illegal drug use.
Testing will be conducted once a month at the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility in coordination with Tagbilaran PNP Office and the traffic management office.
Penalties for drivers are: First offense — six months of drug rehabilitation paid by the driver or through a city program; Second offense — a permanent ban from driving a PUV in Tagbilaran and a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for license cancellation.
Penalties for vehicle owners/operators are: First offense — two-month permit suspension; Second offense — four-month permit suspension; Third offense — franchise revocation.
In a related development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Jan. 13, 2026 commended the Bohol police for seizing nearly P70 million pesos worth of suspected shabu in Tagbilaran City.
In a resolution, Board Member Nathaniel Binlod praised the resilience, bravery and dedication of police in enforcing drug laws.
Authorities seized more than 10 kilograms of suspected shabu from two high-value targets on Jan. 6 in Barangay Dampas.
Suspects Felix Gallogo and Leonnie Lambuson were arrested in a buy-bust operation.
The drugs were allegedly sourced from Luzon, moved through Dumaguete and Cebu, and then brought to Bohol by boat.
The provincial board said the arrest helps keep Boholanos safe, particularly youth who are often victims of illegal drug use. It hopes the commendation encourages continued police service.
Separately, the Tagbilaran City Council also issued a resolution commending the police, authored by Councilor Fausto Budlong.
The resolution lauded Bohol police director Col. Patricio Degay Jr., Provincial Intelligence Unit chief Lt. Col. Jomar Pomarejos, and Tagbilaran City Police Station chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, who thanked the council for the recognition.