Land Transportation Office 7: Roadside drug test to continue

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office-7 will continue to implement random drug testing among public utility vehicle drivers in Central Visayas.

“Yes, we will implement the roadside drug testing but we will wait for the Implementing Rules and Guidelines of the newly-passed Anti-Drunk and Drugged Law or Republic Act 10586,” said LTO-7 director Raul Aguilos.

Aguilos explained that the mandatory drug test for license applicants has already been repealed but the implementation of the roadside drug testing will continue after the promulgation of the IRR.

President Benigno Aquino III signed into law RA 10586 on May 27, 2013. The law penalizes drunk driving and gives law enforcement the authority to conduct breath alcohol test and sobriety test on drivers found to have an indication of drunk driving.

LTO is currently crafting the IRR together with some government agencies like the Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Health and National Police Commission. They have three months to draft the IRR.

The passage of the said law aims to protect the public from drivers who drives under the influence of liquor and illegal drugs.

Roadside random drug testing is also aimed at eliminating drug addicts from operating a motor vehicle especially drivers of public utility vehicles and to prevent road accidents. —(FREEMAN)