10 Cebu City drivers test positive for drug use

Ten drivers of public utility vehicles tested positive for drug use during random tests done by the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) yesterday.

One van for hire, five jeepney and four taxi drivers tested positive, said Raul Aguilos, LTO-7 regional director.

Seventy-one drivers were subjected to the tests at New Imus Road, Cebu City.

The drivers’ names were withheld pending the results of two weeks of “confirmatory tests” in Manila.

Aguilos said the drivers who used drugs won’t be allowed to drive. Their vehicles have been impounded.

After the confirmatory tests, the drivers’ licenses will be suspended for six months.

“They can still reapply (for licenses) after six months provided that they can prove they are already clean,” Aguilos said.

Aguilos was at the Capitol today for a series of meetings about the implementation of road weight limits for trucks.

To implement the new system, a new team was formed including representatives of the provincial government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas among other stakeholders.

Aguilos said the new weight limits will be implemented in about two months. A second meeting is scheduled on June 27.

Trucks will be weighed before their permits are issued.

Aguilos said that they did not meet resistance from businessmen.

He said prices of sand and gravel will be minimally affected by the new system and will still depend on the law of supply and demand.