Public drivers using illegal drugs face revocation of license, penalty fine, LTO-7 warns

By Fayette C. Rinen

CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) – Drivers found guilty of using illegal drugs face revocation of their license and an administrative fine of P15,000 on top of undergoing a six-month rehabilitation before one can ever maneuver the wheel again.

This is the stern warning issued by Land Transportation Office (LTO) -7 Regional Director Raul Aguilos against public transport drivers using illegal drugs to keep them alert while on the road.

“The number one factor why road accidents happen is because of human error and in this case, the driver. Drivers should always bear in mind the huge responsibility they carry because lives are placed in their hands,” Aguilos claimed.

Since two years ago, the LTO-7 is conducting random drug testing on the roadside to ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians from reckless driving.

“Almost 70 drivers have been apprehended while their license has been revoked since we started the roadside random drug testing two years ago.” Aguilos revealed.

The LTO-7 chief said that when drivers test positive of illegal drugs, the result will be sent to Manilafor confirmatory results. In case, the test is confirmed positive, the LTO will revoke the license of the driver and the driver is advised to undergo a six-month drug rehabilitation program in an institution accredited by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

After the driver has undergone the six-month rehabilitation, a certification from the PDEA and another drug test is needed. The test should show negative as this is done to make sure that the driver is no longer using illegal drugs and endanger innocent live, Aguilos disclosed.

“But before the driver can get back his revoked license from the LTO, he must pay the P15,000 administrative fine as legally required, “ Aguuilos added.

Aguilos said it is a tedious process so it is better for drivers to be forewarned this early on the consequences of their action in case they are caught using illegal drugs.

As the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 has just been recently launched, Aguilos said roadside random drug testing will be a regular activity as well as the inspection of roadworthy vehicles.

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced that Malacanang would push for a renewed crackdown against erring public drivers after UP Professor and former desk editor of Pinoy Times and Philippine Daily Inquirer Lourdes “Chit” Estalla Simbulan was instantly killed in a vehicular accident recently in Manila. (PIA 7-Cebu)

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RTWPB-7 to seek wage commission’s advice

on 3-2 voting for supervening condition

By Eli C. Dalumpines

CEBU CITY , May 14 (PIA) – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) here will ask the opinion of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) on the legal implication of its 3-2 votes for the existence of 
a supervening condition in the region.

RTWPB-7 Legal Counsel Atty. Glen Tabon, in a recent radio interview over DYRC, informed he is now preparing the report of the board meeting last Thursday which they are going to submit to NWPC together with their request for a legal advice.

The board, in a 3-2 votes, recognized the existence of a supervening condition but failed to make a formal declaration since the voting results failed to meet the requirements set by NWPC rules.

Such raised apprehensions on the part of the members to proceed with the holding of public consultations as its legality might be questioned later.

According to Tabon, the rules require four affirmative votes before the board can proceed with the consultations.

He said that to settle this issue, the board will ask for a clarification from the commission regarding the case of Region VII which only have seven members at present and where two of the members were not available at the time the meeting was held.

“It is the first time that this happened in Central Visayas where the affirmative votes required for such declaration fell short because of the issue of attendance and membership,” he noted.

Earlier, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7 Acting Director Exequiel Sarcauga informed that two seats in the wage board are still vacant. Nominees for said posts (both to represent the labor sector) have just finished 
submitting documents required by NWPC.

The RTWPB Legal Counsel, however, said the board will again meet next Thursday, May 19, to further discuss the issue. (FCR/ECD/PIA 7-Cebu)

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Over 100 barangay residents in Minglanilla, Cebu avail of government services

By: Hazel F. Gloria

CEBU CITY, May 16 (PIA) --- More than 100 children were circumcised and 20 adults availed of dental and medical consultations and over 50 other residents in Barangays Ward 2 & 3 in Minglanilla town, south of Cebu experienced various government services through the regular “Information Caravan and Medical Mission’ that the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) conducted recently.  

AGIO-7 offered free services on circumcision, dental and consultation of the various government agencies to barangays Ward 1 and 2 led by its president, Eddie Llamedo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in coordination with the local government unit of Minglanilla, Cebu.

The medical and dental teams of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Central Command (CentCom) and 53^rd Engineer Brigade provided the dental and medical and circumcision and services.

The 53^rd Engineer Brigade on the other hand offered free hair cut for the males.

Llamedo, in his speech during the short program said the association will continue to bring development and services to the people through its regular INFOCAR.

“The aim of the association is to bring government closer to the people and assist them on their needs,” Llamedo added.

This is the first INFOCAR the association conducted this year and it hopes for more information caravan and medical missions before the year ends.

Barangay Captains Annabel Sirames and Clifford Cabiles of Ward 2 & 3 respectively informed the association that the people were thankful for the free services especially the “operation tuli.”

The INFOCAR was held at the Barangay Hall of Ward 3 and at the Women’s Center of the Minglanilla.

The government agencies that joined the activity were National Statistics Office (NSO), Pag-Ibig, Deparment of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Food Authority (NFA), Social Security System (SSS), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philhealth, Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DAR-PARO) and Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office 7 facilitated the invitations, coordination and facilitated the entire Information Caravan and Medical Mission. (PIA-7/HFG)