Senators welcome LTO decision to stop mandatory drug tests

MANILA, Philippines - Senators welcomed yesterday the decision of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to stop the   mandatory drug test for driver’s license applicants following its repeal by the new Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III and Senator-elect Juan Edgardo Angara are pleased that LTO Director Virginia Torres listened to public clamor to stop the drug tests before the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Sotto said: “I’m glad the LTO has seen the light. It unburdens many of our countrymen from a mandate that does not serve its purpose.”  

Angara lauded Torres for “respecting the new law” and not waiting for the drafting of the IRR.

The LTO stopped the drug tests after Malacañang slammed the status quo order of Torres on the matter.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan said the LTO and other agencies were supportive and knowledgeable of the repeal of the mandatory drug testing for drivers.

“Today, section 36 (a) of RA 9165 no longer exists,” he said. “The repeal is an expressed repeal. No interpretation is necessary.”

Honasan was chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs during the 15th Congress.