Manila, May 6 -- The regular and mandatory drug testing for all public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers is vital to ensure road safety, Malacanang said on Tuesday.

"Dapat pong pag-aralan kasi ito po ay kailangan din po (It should be studied because it is also necessary)," Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters in a press briefing.

This, after Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday announced that all PUV drivers will be required to undergo drug test every six months, as part of the stricter nationwide road safety plan.

Castro backed the latest directive, saying the move is necessary to prevent a repeat of deadly vehicular accidents in the country.

"Tandaan po natin,...