The Tarlac City Police said that they would respect the wish of the driver involved in the fatal incident at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza in SCTEX, who refused to undergo a drug test.
In an interview, the Chief of Tarlac City Police, PltCol. Romel Santos said they cannot force the driver to undergo the procedure.
He also explained that they were focused on the possible charges that the driver may face in relation to the incident and not on his alleged drug use.
“Hindi daw po siya pumayag na magpa drug test, so on our part ang concern po namin dito is we are looking at a criminal aspect of the offense by the suspect, so we will not after that drug test,” Santos said.
Santos said that other agencies may proceed with the test.
He also clarified that it was not required for the PNP to take the suspect to a drug test.
Ten people perished during the incident, while 37 others reportedly survived.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also put 15 of the company’s buses under preventive suspension.