Towing personnel will be subject to drug test as part of the re-assessment of accredited towing companies of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Victor NuÑez, MMDA towing group head, the test will be conducted next month among 270 personnel who are undergoing a seminar and training on towing procedure.
Those who will be tested positive will automatically be banned from towing.
“We will conduct the test at Ultra in Pasig. All towing crew and liaison officers, it’s a mandatory test because some personnel are allegedly involved in extorting money for drug use,” said Nunez.
The MMDA official cited 78 personnel were dismissed by the agency after they tested positive for illegal drug use during the previous test conducted last January this year and June last year.
After the seminar, Nunez said they will give an examination to the personnel which they have to pass 100 percent.
At present, there are 35 accredited towing companies and 140 tow trucks operating in the metropolis.
The move is in response to continued increase in the complaints, including illegal towing, charging of high fees, and alleged extortion, mount against accredited towing companies.