As 5 buses fail road worthiness test: 19 drivers tested positive for drug

CEBU, Philippines - About 19 drivers tested positive for illegal drug use while five buses failed in the road worthiness test conducted by the Land Transportation Office yesterday as part of its intensified “Oplan Ligtas na Undas 2012.”

LTO-7 director Raul Aguilos said that 16 of those positive for drug were public utility jeepney drivers while three are bus drivers.

The 19 drivers were part of at least 90 drivers who undergone a drug test.

Aguilos said the license of these drivers will be revoked and they cannot get their license back unless they undergo rehabilitation in a center accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Aside from rehabilitation, a violator has to pay a fine of P10,000.

Aguilos also revealed that two of the five buses that failed in the road worthiness test were impounded as these are already dilapidated.

These buses are kept in the impounding area of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in Mandaue City and the City Traffic Operations Management in Cebu City.

The three other buses had to undergo repair before they will be allowed to travel again.

LTO-7 also dispatched their enforcers and deputized agents along national highways and areas near cemeteries to watch out for overloaded vehicles and colorum vans and buses.

In line with the Oplan Ligtas Na Undas 2012 campaign, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said that they will have on-site issuance of special permits at various bus terminals in the region.

Cuizon, during the 888 News Forum yesterday said that buses that will be shipped through a roll-on roll-off vessel must have LTFRB permits if these buses are travelling outside their designated route.

Cebu Port Authority chief of police Glen Sarrador said in the same forum that they will be strictly implementing the “no ticket, no entry policy” during the holidays.

“So kung wala moy ticket sa barko, ayaw na lang mo og adto kay dili gyud mo pasudlon,” Sarrador said.

Earlier, Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas deputy commander Anelito Gabisan said that they expect huge volume of passengers during the holidays and will continue to strictly enforce the “no ticket, no boarding” policy.

Gabisan also warned passengers not to bring any prohibited items in order to avoid travel inconvenience.

All ports in Cebu and in the entire Region 7 are now in full alert status and help desks are put in place. -/MBG (FREEMAN)