ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has directed city officials to continue the conduct of drug testing on members of the transport group in a bid to contain illegal drug use among drivers.
The drug testing on drivers will be conducted on Monday.
To be recalled, mandatory and surprise drug testing for some 12,000 public transport drivers in Angeles City had started in February.
Mayor Lazatin has subjected the drivers to drug testing in a bid to protect the commuters and to instill peace and order in the city. The local chief executive has vowed to eradicate illegal drugs in the city.
The drug testing will be conducted in all terminals.
Leading the drug testing program on the members of the transport group is Chief Adviser IC Calaguas. Other city officials involved in the program are Councilor Atty. Arvin Suller, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Head Ricky Saul, Angeles City Traffic Development Officer Francis Pangilinan, Public Transportation and Regulatory Officer Ferdinand Calma, City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra, CHO Assistant Officer Dr. Cristine Joy Patio, Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles, Information and Communication Technology Division Chief Michael Lising, Association of Barangay Captains – Angeles City President Danilo Nacu, Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Irish Bonus-Llego, and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Edna Duaso.
The drug testing on members of the transport group is anchored on Republic Act 10586 or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.”
Mayor Lazatin has committed to preserve public safety by preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs within the transportation sector.
He urged the full cooperation of public transportation operators and drivers to ensure the success of the initiative.
The program is patterned on Oplan:Harabas Drug Test Muna Bago pasada introduced by then Pihilippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron Aquino.
There are 1,500 jeepney drivers and some 12,000 tricycle drivers in the city.
