ANGELES CITY — Preparations for the mandatory and surprise drug testing for some 12,000 public transport drivers is in full swing as Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. vowed to rid this city of illegal drugs.
This after Lazatin’s trusted adviser and chief political officer IC Calaguas presided over the coordination meeting today. Calaguas laid out Lazatin’s plans to conduct drug testing at all terminals, involving some 12,000 public transport drivers.
Lazatin’s plan is patterned on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s “Oplan Harabas: Drug Test Muna Bago Pasada.”
“This project was actually patterned on PDEA’s program during the time of Director General Aaron Aquino,” said Calaguas, who served as Aquino’s acting Deputy Director General for Administration and Chief of Staff.
This project, Calaguas explained, will be jointly implemented by the city government and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The legal basis for this program, Calaguas explained, is the Republic Act 10586 or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.”
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 program highlights the Lazatin administration’s firm commitment to preserving public safety and preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs within the transportation sector,” Calaguas said.
Lazatin is appealing for the full cooperation of public transportation operators and drivers to ensure the success of the initiative.