7 drivers test positive of drug use

CEBU, Philippines - Seven drivers of public utility vehicles tested positive for using illegal drugs during a roadside drug testing conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 in Talisay City yesterday.

Of the seven, three are minibus drivers and four are jeepney drivers. The LTO tested 53 drivers from 9am to 12pm at an improvised station in Barangay Linaw, Talisay City.

The licenses of those who tested positive were immediately confiscated pending confirmatory test to be conducted in Manila.

The licenses will be revoked once the confirmatory test will yield positive results and the driver(s) concerned can only re-apply for another license after three months after they pay a fine of P10,000; if they can produce a certificate of rehabilitation from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); and if they can produce a new drug test result that proves them negative of using illegal drugs.

The surprise drug test was part of LTO’s efforts of making roads and travelers safer in relation to the observance of the upcoming All Souls and All Saints day.

LTO7 Director Raul Aguilos told The FREEMAN they are satisfied with the result of the surprise test. “We want to conduct similar activities throughout the region in the future,” he said.

However, with their limited resources, they could only make use of drug testing kits (DTK) donated by private entities. They received 100 pieces of DTKs from a Cebu-based club.

Aguilos assured, nevertheless, that more surprise drug tests will be conducted once their budget increases. He said a roadside drug testing is one of best practices that he personally wants to continue.

For now, Aguilos urged vehicle operators to take the challenge of subjecting their own drivers to drugs tests as part of their employment requirement. “Ako nalang hangyo karon, kay kuwang man tag pundo, ang mga operators nay mangunay og pa drug test,” he said.

Aguilos also urged the public to be vigilant by reporting abusive drivers and law-breakers to their office to prevent further road related incidents and problems.

Also yesterday, still part of its efforts to assist passengers for the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, LTO conducted road worthiness tests, road safety seminars and installed assistance desks at bust terminals in the region.  (FREEMAN)