Roadside drug test pushed during Lent

CEBU, Philippines - To prevent road accidents caused by drugged driving, the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drugs Abuse Office (CPADAO) sees the need to conduct roadside drug testing on public utility bus drivers in time for the Holy Week.

CPADAO Executive Director Ivy Durano-Meca said the Land Transportation Office has to crack down on drivers who use prohibited drugs.

She said bus drivers involved in illegal drugs are not suited to drive as they may put the lives of their passengers at risk.

The safety and security of passengers and commuters should be the government’s primary concern, especially during the Holy Week when more people are expected to travel home to their provinces and vice versa, she said.

Meca said CPADAO is willing to assist the agency in the conduct of roadside drug test, adding that her office will closely coordinate with LTO.

“We see the need for the roadside drug test. But we cannot undertake such without approval and coordination with LTO,” she said.

Meca said the conduct of drug test on public utility drivers is part of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regulations in consonance with the drug-free workplace policy.

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

It can be recalled that bus and mini-bus operators in Cebu have earlier lobbied for the reimplementation of a roadside drug testing on bus drivers and conductors following reports that some of the latter escaped several surprise drug tests conducted by the CPADAO.

 The operators explained that roadside drug testing among their bus drivers and conductors is important in order to protect passengers from drivers who use illegal drugs.

 Julie Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association and spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association, earlier said roadside drug testing aims to eliminate drug addicts from driving, especially public utility vehicles, and to prevent road accidents caused by drug abuse.

In 2011, however, the LTO suspended the roadside random drug testing nationwide until unified guidelines will be formulated. It was part of LTO’s 10-year road safety program geared towards reducing traffic accidents, which is considered one of the leading causes of death in the world.

 Before it was suspended, the licenses of drivers found positive for illegal drug use were revoked and they could 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 had to pay a P10, 000 fine.

LTO Regional Director Alita Pulga earlier said though the roadside drug test has not been renewed since its suspension.

On the other hand, Meca said they will soon implement the drug-free workplace policy in the private sector, which is still covered under the DDB guidelines.

Meca said she had an initial talk with Glenn Soco, president of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), on the policy’s strict implementation. (FREEMAN)