LTO finally scraps mandatory drug test for license applicants

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday announced that mandatory drug testing for driver’s license application—whether for student, new or renewal purposes—has been officially scrapped in accordance with a new law.

“Simula ngayon araw na ito, hindi na po kukuha ng drug test certificate ang lahat po ng mga maga-apply at magre-renew ng bagong lisensya sa lahat ng tanggapan ng LTO,” LTO chief Virginia Torres said in a phone interview on GMA News TV’s “News To Go.”

“After careful reviews at pagkatapos ng mga talakayan, we have unanimously agreed na ipatupad na ang repeal ng mandatory drug test,” she added.

Torres was referring to the recently signed Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, which revokes the compulsory drug testing among driver’s license applicants.

The new law said drug testing will only be compulsory among drivers involved in vehicular accidents.

The LTO was initially adamant in scrapping the mandatory drug test despite the new law, citing its importance in keeping the road free of drug users. According to its records, more than 6,000 applications for driver’s license have already been rejected this year after the applicant tested positive for illegal drug use.

But Torres said they agreed to scrap mandatory drug testing after a meeting on Thursday.

“Just right after our meeting yesterday, nagpadala na po kami ng memorandum circular sa lahat ng regional directors, assistant regional director, heads of agencies, district officers, and all employees,” Torres said.

“Itong batas na ito ay makakatulong talaga sa pag-safeguard ng ating mga kababayan pati na po drivers themselves,” she added.

In a separate interview, Sen. Tito Sotto, the new law’s principal author, explained that that drug testing among license applicants has been scrapped because it has been ineffective to combat substance abuse.

“Sa pagkuha ng driver’s license, it does not serve its purpose. Burden sa mga kababayan natin pagkatapos it doesn’t work,” he said.

“Mas maganda, doon natin hulihin sa akto. So, ang naisip namin ay alisin ‘yan sapagkat abala lang at pagkatapos ilagay itong mandatory drug testing for those involved in accidents,” Sotto added.

A drug testing kit cost P50 only, but testing centers charge about P200 to P300 per test, Sotto said.

“Ang nakikinabang lang ‘yung mga testing center,” Sotto said.  — Rouchelle Dinglasan/KBK, GMA News