Pubdate: Wed, 05 Mar 2003 Source: Sunstar Bacolod (Philippines) Copyright: 2003sSunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/affiliate.php3?locid=1 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1718 Author: Robert L. Bacasong DOH ACCREDITS LOCAL HEALTH CENTERS TO CONDUCT DRUG TESTS HEALTH Secretary Manuel Dayrit will allow the local health offices and government hospitals to conduct drug-testing to drivers and other persons applying for jobs. This was disclosed by Councilor Greg Gasataya, chairman of the committee on transportation, who was in Manila last week. Gasataya said people can save money if they are tested in local health offices and government hospitals. If the city acquires the requirements needed for conducting the drug testing, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will allow the city health office to conduct the testing. Councilor Reynold Iledan has proposed an ordinance establishing the city health drug testing center, which is now on its second reading. The drug testing is strictly implemented by the Land Transportation Office headed by Leopoldo Gepes, chief of the agency's Licensing Division. Drivers who are applying for a driver's license should undergo drug testing. The drivers cannot get their Application for Driver's License (ADL) and their Returned Receipt for Returned Licenses (RRRL) without the testing. Moreover, through the testing, the LTO will determine if the drivers and the other applicants are positive for drugs. In year 2002, the LTO Law Enforcement Office revoked 1,199 licences of drivers who committed the following violations: driving out of route, reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property, positive for drugs or under the influence of liquor while driving, among others. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake