By Gerry Lee Gorit
Contributor
OUT of the hundreds of drivers and conductors who underwent the unannounced drug testing organized by the Land Transportation Office-10, only one tested positive, while another individual refused to have his urine sample tested.
According to Nelson Manaloto, LTO-10 regional director, a bus conductor, who his office did not name, was the one whose urine test came out positive for traces of illegal drugs.
“It was a surprise drug test of conductors and drivers of buses, taxis, and UV express,” Manaloto said.
The testing was conducted at two of the city’s integrated bus terminals in Barangay Lapasan here.
He said the LTO-10 is still waiting for the confirmatory test result from a drug testing laboratory, and when the second test turns out positive the person will then be advised to attend the community-based rehabilitation program in his barangay.
He added his office has advised the bus company to take a leave of absence until the confirmatory result is released.
During LTO-10’s surprise drug testing, Manaloto said a UV express driver also refused to subject himself to the examination.
“He did not want to be under drug testing, so we confiscated his license and put on alarm. We also issued him a show-cause order asking him to explain to LTO why he refused it,” Manaloto said.
He added that if the LTO found out that that driver’s explanation is unjustifiable, “we will recommend the suspension or revocation of his license as the case may be. It will depend on the appreciation of our adjudicator.”
Manaloto said that the fact that none of the drivers tested positive for illegal drugs is a sign that the number of drug users in the public transport sector has gone down.
