GMA EYES FREE DRUG TESTS FOR PU DRIVERS

The first 10,000 public utility drivers who volunteer for drug tests
before securing or renewing their licenses at the Land Transportation
Office (LTO) will not be charged a fee, President Arroyo announced
yesterday.

Mrs. Arroyo hoped that the free drug tests at LTO-accredited centers
would encourage the drivers "to set a good example" for their peers
who might be using illegal drugs to keep themselves awake while plying
their trade.

However, public utility drivers who choose not to avail themselves of
the offer will still be given a discount.

The President made the announcement in impromptu remarks during the
mass oath taking of officers and members of the Manibela Laban sa
Droga (Makondroga) held yesterday at the newly refurbished Amoranto
Stadium on Roces Avenue, Quezon City.

Before the oath taking Mrs. Arroyo, together with Quezon City Mayor
Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and re-electionist Sen. Robert Barbers,
witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between
Makondroga and the heads of several government agencies.

The MOU was signed by Transportation and Communications Secretary
Leandro Mendoza, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina
Jr., who also chairs the Dangerous Drugs Board, Health Secretary
Manuel Dayrit and Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency director general
Anselmo Avenido.

Under the MOU, Makondroga will be the government's eyes and ears in
the campaign against illegal drugs in the public transport sector.

In her remarks, Mrs. Arroyo made special mention of taxi drivers: "If
you take some people to a place which you suspect to be a laboratory
or factory for illegal drugs, call up 117 (of the Philippine National
Police)."

She also urged drivers not to allow "passengers who appear to be high
on drugs" to board their vehicles.

The President credited her administration for implementing a "tougher"
anti-drug law that required, among other things, drug tests for those
applying for drivers' licenses.

Principal organizers of Makondroga, which is composed mainly of
jeepney and tricycle drivers from Quezon City, are Mayor Belmonte and
Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista. Like Barbers, who are running for
re-election under Mrs. Arroyo's Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.

Mrs. Arroyo praised Belmonte not only for his contribution to the
government's war against drugs but also for his outstanding leadership
as Quezon City mayor.

Referring to Belmonte as the "most outstanding mayor of the
Philippines," the President expressed special admiration for the
rehabilitation of the once run-down Amoranto.

Last year the city received an award from the Philippine Business
Conference for being the most business-friendly local government unit
and the "Galing Pook" award from the DILG for most outstanding local
government unit in fiscal discipline.