LTO suspends roadside random drug testing

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office has suspended the conduct of roadside random drug testing nationwide until unified guidelines will be formulated.

“We hope that by next year, the guidelines will be formulated,” LTO-7 regional director Raul Aguiluz said.

Aguiluz explained that roadside drug testing among public utility vehicle drivers is important in order to protect the passengers from drivers who use prohibited drugs.

Just recently, the LTO Central Office confirmed seven public utility drivers in Cebu to have used prohibited drugs last month after they tested positive in the last roadside test conducted by LTO-7 before the suspension.

Aguiluz said the licenses of these drivers were revoked and they cannot get their licenses back unless they undergo rehabilitation in a center accredited by the Department of Health and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Aside from rehabilitation, violators have to pay P10,000.00 fine.

Section 36, Article 2 of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 mandates all drivers applying for license or renewal of license to undergo drug tests.

However, since a driver’s license is valid for three years, random drug tests are done in-between.

The conduct of roadside drug testing aims to eliminate drug addicts from driving, especially of public utility vehicle drivers, and to prevent road accidents caused by drug abuse.

The said program, is part of LTO’s 10-year road safety program, geared towards reducing traffic accidents, which is considered as one of the leading causes of death in the world.  (FREEMAN)