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Manila Bulletin devider devider 2,671 tricycle drivers in QC to undergo random drug testing

2,671 tricycle drivers in QC to undergo random drug testing

Published Nov 5, 2018 08:39 pm
By Alex San Juan At least 24% or some 2,671 tricycle drivers in Quezon City have already been subjected on the local government’s random drug tests as part of its continuous program to eliminate drug use among public utility vehicle drivers in the city. "We passed an ordinance mandating all tricycle and pedicab drivers and operators to undergo drug testing and, so far, since we just passed this in 2017, 23.54% have already undergone the mandatory drug testing," Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said in an interview. There are at least 40,000 tricycle drivers and 2,400 pedicab drivers in Quezon City, said the Office of the Vice Mayor. According to Belmonte, out of the drivers tested, 4% have yielded positive results and are subject to driving prohibitions, franchise suspension, and rehabilitation and treatment. With the present results, Belmonte also cleared out public's accusations before that majority of tricycle and pedicab drivers use illegal drugs. Based on the City Ordinance No. SP-2575, S-2017, or the "Drugged Driving Ordinance in Quezon City," members of the Tricycle Operator Driver Association (TODA) and Pedicab Operator Driver Association (PODA) in Quezon City are requires to undergo random drug testing at the expense of the city government. The random drug testing may be set as a condition for the granting of franchise to TODA and PODA, and failure to comply with the testing may result in the presumption that the driver or operator is positive for the use of illegal drugs. In case the driver is found with a negative result, the driver or operator will be issued a Drug Test Certificate valid for 12 months. However, drivers or operators found to have a positive result after a confirmatory test shall be prohibited from driving until such time that the driver has completed his or her rehabilitation and treatment program. For drivers who are also operators or owners of their units, their franchise shall be suspended until the same condition is met. Drivers and operators who test positive will also be referred to Department of Health (DOH) accredited physicians for drug dependency evaluation to determine the interventions that must be extended. Belmonte, who was the chairperson of the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council (QCADAAC), added that the ordinance is aligned with council's and the city’s integrated efforts to suppress drug addiction and drug pushing to protect the welfare of residents in the city.
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