Driver in Commonwealth crash confirmed to be under influence of illegal drugs

The UV Express driver that rammed 14 vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue has been confirmed to be under the influence of illegal drugs, according to the investigation Land Transportation Office and Quezon City Police District.

The incident took place on Oct. 17, leaving one person dead and 14 injured as the driver, identified as 54-year-old Ruel Dela Cerna, hit several motorcycle riders and continued to drive recklessly along the thoroughfare.

The Philippine National Police - Crime Laboratory said Dela Cerna tested positive for methamphetamine. According to the Department of Transportation, the driver also admitted to using shabu hours before the incident on Thursday evening.

The Land Transportation Office has also revoked Dela Cerna's driver's license.

"Sisiguraduhin nating hindi na makakapagmaneho itong UV Express driver na ito," Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

Moreover, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board has suspended the operations of the UV Express in the incident and has issued a show cause order against the vehicle's owner to explain why their franchise should not be revoked.

Dela Cerna faces several cases, including reckless driving, anti-drunk and drugged driving, improper person to operate a motor vehicle, and more.

He is currently detained at the QCPD Traffic Enforcement Unit.

According to QCPD chief Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, Dela Cerna rammed into several motorcycles as he was coming from the Elliptical Road but continued to speed off instead of stopping. 

A dump truck blocked his path but the UV Express driver backed up, crashing into a sedan, and hit more motorcycles in front of the Commission on Human Rights.