Information Technology tapped vs illegal drugs

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will soon implement a computer-aided system that will curb drug abuse among local motorists.

The move is in accordance with the Government Information Systems Plan (GISP) that seeks to use computers to link all agencies in order to promote transparency, accountability and reduce graft and corruption.

In the DOTC’s case, the program is expected to minimize road accidents arising from drug use. With the help of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the DOTC has been continuously developing innovative Information Technology (IT) solutions to improve its services such as the processing of driver’s license application, car insurance and registration, and now, the IT enhanced mandatory drug testing program.

This is yet another addition to DOTC’s string of IT related programs seeking to improve its services. Other innovations introduced by LTO chief Edgardo Abenina include the computerization of the license application and issuance, which has lessened the process from several weeks, to just over 30 minutes.

The DOTC, the LTO, and the Dangerous Drug Board and DrGNET, Inc., will soon develop a computerized system that will ensure the proper implementation of the Mandatory Drug Testing Program. This will be applied to applicants for driver’s licenses, and those seeking to renew their licenses nationwide.

The system will link all accredited drug-testing centers nationwide and create a database that will contain the results of all applicants that have undergone the drug test. This will prevent applicants who failed the drug test from taking it in other areas in the Philippines.

DOTC and LTO have set strict guidelines for the accreditation of drug testing centers seeking to participate in the program. These include the standard IT component, which will serve as the platform for their operation, and inclusion in the network thereby providing cross-referencing capabilities to each of the individual drug testing centers.

The system that has been set-up for this purpose has been infused with several security features to avoid data tampering and ensure that test results are kept secure. Personal data of the applicant is, however, screened; only the name, a matching security number and the test results are available to all other users in the network.

Officials within the LTO, most especially from the Visayas, have supported the program, as it will provide access to the central office database. One official noted that this will avoid duplication and increase their frontline services.

The IT component in the Mandatory Drug Testing Program will prevent both drug users wishing to drive a vehicle and operators of "fly-by-night testing centers."