Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
— American comedian and social critic George Carlin

MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — In getting a driver's license, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) requires among others for an applicant to submit to a medical and drug test to certify that he is of sound mind and is not hooked into the use of illegal drugs.

The logic behind this is to ensure that the driver-applicant is in good health and is psychologically and physically aware of the need to drive safely not only for his own protection but also the benefit of other drivers and their passengers and even pedestrians.

So how could this happen?
A truck driver in a fatal road accident while traveling the Batasan-San Mateo Road tested positive for illegal drugs, according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

In its official report of the incident, the QCPD disclosed that the said driver, identified as alias 'Eruel', was subjected to an alcohol breath analyzer (ABA) and drug tests in accordance with the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 and inadvertently, “the tests conducted by the QCPD Forensic Unit (QCPDFU) gave a positive result for methamphetamine hydrochloride (commonly known as “shabu”).”

Contradicting this, the ABA test conducted by the LTO yielded a negative result, according to the QCPD.
QCPD deputy director for administration Colonel Randy Glenn Silvio asserted that “this case serves as a clear warning to those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs, you will be held fully accountable under the law.”

Punishment here is severe according to the law, reclusion temporal or more than 12 years to 20 years maximum imprisonment and a fine of P300,000 to P500,000 if the victim dies.

So now we ask, how the goddamn way did this driver get through the requirements in securing a driver's license in the first place? Can our good officials at the LTO please answer and clear this worrisome issue?

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