Manila, Philippines – Despite public clamor for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to cancel the license of alleged drug-addicted drivers, Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres said the agency still has to accord them a day in court.

Torres said she is aware of heightening public clamor for the LTO to cancel outright the driver's license of drug users to prevent them from maneuvering the wheels, but claimed that the agency is duty bound to observe due process in dealing with such cases.

"It's hard to judge from mere accusations. We can never tell if the accused is really using drugs so we have to bring the matter first to the court before we can finally cancel the driver's license. We will always respect due process," she said.

Torres also defended the LTO from critics alleging that agency officials have been conniving with outsiders in issuing driver's license to applicants that did not undergo the required drug testing, and the written and practical examinations.

It was reported that some sectors are blaming the LTO for the increasing number of licensed drivers that are either using drugs or are unaware of road safety measures and are involved in numerous vehicular accidents.

"Accidents are accidents. Driver education and training is a continuous effort of LTO so I believe that we have not been remiss in our duties to the public," she said.