The secretary general of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center is calling on the Land Transportation Office to conduct random drug testing on public utility drivers following the arrest of a jeepney driver and alleged drug peddler yesterday in Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City.

Jessie Ortega yesterday said drivers are required to undergo drug testing as a requirement for the renewal of their driver’s license every three years. He said he is in favor of a random drug testing on drivers as long as it is for free.

This is necessary to ensure that PUJ drivers are not involved in illegal drugs since they might endanger the lives of their passengers if they are driving while under the influence of prohibited drugs, Ortega said.

He also said it is the responsibility of jeepney operators to have a background check done on their drivers before accepting them.

Yesterday, the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group had arrested Roberto Piconcillo of Brgy. Bata handing a small sachet of suspected shabu to jeepney driver Johnrey Tison of Hinigaran town during a stake-out operation in Bata.

Bacolod City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo Dela Paz urged drug testing centers to be rigid so PUJ drivers who are into illegal drugs will not be issued drivers’ licenses. 

Councilor El Cid Familiaran, chairman of the Sangguniang Committee on Police and Security, said he will take up the matter during the Peace and Order Council meeting.*CGS

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