QuestionsQuestions (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. BGC-MC-00317)
The circular states that no professional driver’s license shall be issued to a person who is an alcohol or drug addict or dependent.
“Drug test” is any chemical, biological, or physical instrument analysis administered by a laboratory to determine the presence or absence of a drug or its metabolite.
The circular mentions Methamphetamine (shabu) and Cannabinoids (marijuana). For Methamphetamine, examples include “chunks” and “ice.”
Chain of Custody is the laboratory’s procedure for handling specimens to ensure sample identification and integrity, tracking handling and storage from collection to final disposition.
Class A can do screening, confirmatory, and quantitative examinations. Class B can do screening and confirmatory and must collaborate with a licensed Class A for further confirmatory testing if necessary. Class C can do screening only and must collaborate with a Class A or B for confirmation of positive findings if necessary.
It should be located within a 100–200 meter radius from the LTO Licensing Office.
Those positive in screening are automatically subjected to confirmatory testing using the same urine specimen; the cost of confirmatory testing is shouldered by the drug screening center concerned if sent to a private confirmatory laboratory.
The cost is shouldered by the driver, and the subject sample must be submitted within fifteen (15) days after collection.
It evaluates applications, conducts ocular inspection, recommends approval/disapproval, ensures laboratories operate per accreditation terms, interprets requirements, meets technical demands, conducts surprise/periodic inspections, and performs other assigned duties.
For NCR, at the Medical Unit, LTO Central Office, East Avenue, Quezon City. For other regions, at the LTO Regional Office where the laboratory operates.
Key items include DDB certificate of accreditation, DDB certifications authorizing the laboratory director/physician and certified physician, PRC license of the laboratory director as a medical doctor/DO, training certificates for licensed medical technologist, chain of custody forms, business registration/SEC documents, mayor’s permit, TIN (if operating less than a year), latest ITR, SSS membership certificate, specimen signatures, and a schematic floor plan.
LTO requires specimen signatures of authorized certified signatories and certificates made of security paper with security markings to prevent faking of certificates.
They must make periodic reports to LTO Central or Regional Offices, identifying the drug tested (Methamphetamine or Cannabinoids) and whether positive or negative. Results must be treated as confidential.
The concerned accredited physician must subject the positive individual to clinical evaluation as the basis for appropriate management.
A filing fee of PHP 500.00 is collected upon filing. Accreditation fees are PHP 2,500 (Class A), PHP 2,000 (Class B), and PHP 1,500 (Class C).
It is valid for one (1) year from January 1 to December 31 of any given year, with renewals to be filed on or before the last working day of the year.
For the first offense: administrative fine (PHP 10,000 for Class A and B; PHP 5,000 for Class C) plus depending on violation severity (the circular states one (1) year suspension). For the second: higher fines (PHP 15,000 for Class A/B; PHP 10,000 for Class C) and for the third: cancellation of accreditation permit.
Class A and B must post a bond of PHP 300,000; Class C must post a bond of PHP 100,000, to answer for damages LTO might suffer for failure to comply with obligations.