LTO: Go only to legitimate drug centers

"Deal only with legitimate drug testing centers."

This was the appeal made by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to motorists as the agency announced that it had, so far, accredited a total of 76 drug testing centers.

Orly Javier, head of the LTO Drug Test Committee, said that they would be posting the list of these laboratories in all LTO district and extension offices to guard motorists against "fly-by-night drug testing centers.

"We hope to eliminate fly-by-night centers by coming up with names of accredited centers. We urge the public not to deal with those not in the list," he noted.

The LTO had set requirements that drug testing centers must comply with before they could be given accreditation.

One of the requirements is for the centers to have computers that are hooked up to the LTO data base. This will enable LTO offices to identify the motorists who fail in the drug tests.

Under the LTO policy, motorists who apply for or renew their driver’s licenses must undergo drug examination. The program is meant to minimize drug-related accidents.

LTO chief Roberto Lastimoso assured earlier that the agency is strict in screening applicants to ensure that they would deal only with the reputable companies.

Lastimoso also warned LTO officials and employees against conniving with drug testing centers of dubious reputation.

"Appropriate charges await those who are conspiring with these drug laboratories. We also urge the public to report to us any attempt of these centers to do business with them illegally," he added. – Sheila Crisostomo