LTFRB tests target drug-crazed drivers

• Source: http://panaynewsphilippines.com/2015/10/31/ltfrb-tests-target-drug-crazed-drivers/
• Sunday, November 1, 2015

BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA (PN)

ILOILO City – Public utility vehicle drivers in various transport terminals across Western Visayas may soon be subjected to drug tests.

The tests will be done randomly should these push through, said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 legal counsel Jose Marie Lamparero.

The goal of the drug tests is to ensure public safety, he stressed.

The Board plans to conduct the drug tests after Halloween in coordination with the regional offices of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Health.

“We may come up with a memorandum of agreement,” said Lamparero.

In Manila, LTFRB has already started random drug tests on public utility bus drivers.

“We have not received a directive to conduct the same. But LTFRB Region 6 wants to initiate regular random drug tests,” said Lamparero.

For now, only drivers involved in vehicular accidents resulting to injuries or fatalities are being subjected to mandatory drug tests.

LTFRB Region 6 plans regular random drug tests as a preventive measure.

“Public utility vehicle operators are required to have their drivers undergo drug tests only if they get involved in serious road accidents. The vehicles are also suspended for 30 days,” said Lamparero.

The suspension is lifted only if the driver tests negative for illegal drugs, he added.