MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 28, 2013) – The Philippine Senate has approved on 3rd and final reading a bill imposing heavy penalties on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to state media reports.
The Philippines News Agency said Senate Bill No. 3365, or the Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2012, was sponsored by Sen. Gregorio Honasan, chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
Under the proposed legislation, motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs but have not caused any physical injury or homicide, shall be fined from P20,000 to P80,000 and shall face imprisonment up to 3 months.
Honasan said DUI resulting in physical injuries shall be fined from P100,000 to P200,000 and face imprisonment ranging from 3 months to 12 years depending on the injury caused; while DUI leading to homicide shall be fined from P300,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment ranging 12 years to 20 years.
He said non-professional driver’s license of violators shall be confiscated and suspended for 12 months for the first conviction and perpetually revoked on the second conviction. On the other hand, professional driver’s license of violators shall be confiscated and perpetually revoked for the first conviction.
The perpetual revocation of a driver’s license, shall disqualify the person from being granted any kind of driver’s license thereafter, Honasan said.
He said mandatory alcohol and drug testing will be required for drivers involved in accidents which resulted in injury or death.
“This bill seeks to strengthen the Land Transportation Traffic Code of 1964 which, almost 50 years ago, was decreed to penalize drunk drivers with three months imprisonment,” Honasan said.
“Under the measure, vehicular mishaps caused by drivers found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall not be treated merely as reckless imprudence,” he explained.
Honasan said alcohol and drugs could cause mental impairment or adversely affect normal physical reflexes. He said DUI is not just a case of thoughtless or careless indiscretion.
Honasan cited data released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board last year, which showed that out of the 86,602 vehicular accidents recorded, three percent were drug or alcohol-related while 55 percent were reportedly due to driver’s error. (Jelly Musico)
20