5 of 45 jeepney drivers test positive for drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Five of 45 jeepney drivers were found positive of using illegal drugs in yesterday’s random drug testing conducted by the Land Transportation Office yesterday at the SM City Cebu bus terminal as it launched its Citizen’s Charter.

“This is very alarming,” says LTO assistant secretary Arturo Lomibao in his speech during the launching as he explained that 48 percent or about 10,000 cases out of more than 20,000 cases of vehicular accidents nationwide last year are related to reckless driving.

LTO-7 regional director Raul Aguilos said that those found positive of using illegal drugs were either using shabu or marijuana.

Aguilos said that the conduct of drug testing is aimed at eliminating drug addicts from operating a motor vehicle especially driving public utility vehicles and to prevent road accidents caused by drug abuse.

The said program is part of LTO’s road safety program as those drivers confirmed to have used illegal drugs will no longer be allowed to drive.

On the other hand, aside from launching the Citizen’s Charter, LTO also launched a new innovation wherein the public can text this government agency any complaints or suggestions to 2600.

A texter just have to text LTO PLS <feedback> then send it to 2600 for Smart, Globe and Sun subscribers.

Ramon Reyes, vice president for operations of Stradcom Inc., the IT partner of LTO also explained the benefits of the Radio Frequency Identification project of the LTO.

“This is not a money-making venture of the LTO. This is purely public service,” Reyes said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)