DRUG TEST FOR DRIVERS PUSHED

Amid a rash of accidents involving public utility vehices, two
transport groups on Sunday expressed support for a proposal to test
PUV drivers for drug abuse as part of efforts to ensure safety on the
road.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Dionisio Santiago proposed
the drug test even as the land transport board suspended the franchise
of a bus company whose unit figured in a collission in Camarines Sur,
killing a Filipino-German beauty titlist and her two companions.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Baguio City-based Eso-Nice Bus company also
found its franchise suspended after one of its units plunged into a
ravine killing all but five of its 47 passengers.

Santiago said there is an "alarming increase" in the number of road
accidents, and in many cases, the drivers had taken drugs to stay awake.

Vigor Mendoza of the United Transport Alliance Koalisyon said that
apart from drug test on drivers, an academy may be built to teach PUV
drivers about road safety and courtesy.

The proposed driver's academy would not only help improve driving
skills but also aid in the values formation for drivers. The proposed
academy will also put up a driver's data bank accessible to transport
firms looking for qualified drivers.

For his part Homer Mercado, president of the Southern Luzon Bus
Operators Association, called for the blacklisting of drivers who
tested positive of drug abuse.

In fact, Mercado said his organization has been conducting random drug
testing on their drivers.

Mercado said that if their drivers that were found to be positive for
illegal drug-use, they were required to undergo a three-month
rehabilitation after which they would be tested again and only be
allowedback to work if they were clean.