21 drivers found positive for drug use

CEBU, Philippines - At least 21 drivers will not be able to earn a living for the rest of the Holy Week after they were found positive of drug use during the random drug tests conducted in Talisay City and Lapu-Lapu City.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 Director Raul Aguilos said 112 drivers were subjected to the random drug tests. Five drivers were found positive last week – two taxi drivers, two jeepney drivers and one bus driver. Yesterday, 16 more bus drivers were found positive of using drugs.

“Makadaot man na sa mga drayber nang mga bisyo kay makaapekto sa panarbaho sa mga drayber,” Aguilos said.

He said the drug tests were conducted in line with LTO’s efforts to ensure that drivers are sober when in the streets, especially this time of the year when thousands of people take public transportation to spend the Holy Week in their respective towns.

Transportation authorities have been conducting tests on roadworthiness of buses and the fitness of drivers to transport passengers to the provinces during the Holy Week exodus, which is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday.

Aguilos, however, clarified that the results would still be subjected to a confirmatory test. Those confirmed to be positively using drugs will have their licenses suspended for six months.     

City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Executive Director Sylvan Jakosalem has a more conservative view of the issue. He said the result of the drug tests is already alarming and that LTO should revoke the license of those confirmed to be positively using drugs.

“This is an alarming percentage considering these were public utility where passenger safety should be the number one priority,” Jakosalem said. – (FREEMAN)