6 truck drivers fail drug test
SIX out of 125 cargo truck drivers bound for Metro Manila were arrested after they tested positive for shabu during random testing, a ranking official of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported.
In an interview, Lawyer Clarence V. Guinto, director of LTO-Law Enforcement Service, said the random drug test at a checkpoint at the entry and exit points of Metro Manila, conducted by Inter-Government Agency composed of LTO-LES, National Capital Region-West, PNP-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
The random drug test is based on the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act or Republic Act 10586 of 2013.
Guinto said the operations were ordered by Transportation Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians from drivers using illegal drugs while driving.
Guinto said the operatives confiscated the licenses of the drives, and charges have been filed for inquest proceeding before the State Prosecutor’s Office.
The LTO-LES-Intelligence and Investigation also filed charges against two other drivers who refused to undergo the mandatory field sobriety test and drug test during the random operations.
“Itong dalawang eto posibleng ma-revoke ang mga lisensiya nito, based on pieces of evidence and rules and regulations ng anti-drunk law,” said Guinto.
Guinto said, based on the strict order of Asec. Guadiz, their truck operators will likewise be issued a show cause order for failure to exercise due diligence in the selection in the supervision of their drivers.
“Isipin nyo yan, puro lango sa illegal drugs, eh mga cargo trucks ang minamaneho, paano kung na-aksidente ano na kamot na naman sa ulo… Dapat proactive tayo, ‘prevention is better than cure,’” said Guinto.
Reports said that some drivers use illegal drugs to prevent themselves from falling asleep during long-distance travel.
