Question & AnswerQ&A (DDB BOARD REGULATION NO. 10, S. 2003)
The guidelines establish the mandatory drug testing requirements for all applicants who wish to secure or renew Professional or Non-Professional driver's licenses in the Philippines, aiming to prevent issuance to drug users and enhance public safety.
Republic Act 9165, specifically Section 36(a), mandates that no driver's license shall be issued or renewed unless the applicant presents a certification proving they are free from use of dangerous drugs.
They apply to all applicants for Professional or Non-Professional driver's licenses, including new applicants, those renewing licenses, and those applying for additional restriction codes nationwide.
Applicants confirmed positive will have their license application denied, barred from applying for new or renewal licenses for six months, and if positive after the probationary period, will be permanently barred from applying. Licensed drivers found positive shall have their licenses confiscated.
Yes, applicants have the autonomy to select any Department of Health-Accredited Drug Testing Center nationwide to undergo the mandatory drug testing.
A Professional Driver's License authorizes a person to operate private or public utility vehicles for compensation or business, but the holder may also operate a private vehicle without compensation.
According to Republic Act 4136, Section 53, no person shall drive a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor or narcotic drugs, and violators may face penalties including license suspension or revocation and fines.
The applicant is responsible for bearing the cost of the mandatory drug testing.
The guidelines take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation and after registration with the Office of National Administrative Register (ONAR), UP Law Center, Quezon City.
The objectives include deterring drug use among drivers, determining prevalence of drug use, identifying regional drug use hotspots, and referring users for dependency examination and rehabilitation.
They are permanently barred from applying for new or renewal of driver's licenses.
Mandatory Drug Testing refers to the compulsory submission of a subject to undergo drug testing as required by law for driver's license issuance or renewal.
It stipulates that no professional driver's license shall be issued to persons suffering from contagious diseases, epilepsy, or who are alcohol or drug dependent, supporting the drug testing requirements.