DAVAO CITY – The local government here has currently no breath analyzer, a device which is used to determine violators of anti-drunk driving law.
On March 12, the Land Transportation Office started implementation of the use of alcohol breath analyzer tests to find out if a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol.
Under Republic Act No. 10586, also known as Anti Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, drivers caught driving under alcohol influence must pay a fine of Php 20,000 to Php 80,000 and face imprisonment for a minimum of three months. Fatal accidents are fined Php 300,000 to 500,000 and a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during his weekly television program, Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa, said the budget for the government has not included procuring breath analyzers as it was just announced by the LTO almost a week ago.
“We do not have that, because this is a national law, the government could provide for the gadgets but the budget goes to corruption,” Duterte said.
Duterte estimated the cost of a breath analyzer at Php 10,000.
Duterte said, however, that the speed limit implemented in the city proper has minimized road accidents. He said the city has bought a lot of speed guns since it is cheaper.
“Just follow the 30-40-60 (kilometer per hour speed limit) so if you use your brake, you can still stop,” Duterte said.
The mayor admitted that in areas such as the highways between Davao and Bukidnon, he cannot control the speed of buses.
Duterte also ordered police and traffic enforcers to check if the brake of the violators is not the cause of a road accident since a damaged brake also causes accidents.
Meanwhile, Duterte said it is difficult to test drivers positive with illegal drug abuse.
“It’s a chemistry that is hard to (determine),” he said.
Duterte told the apprehending officers that if they doubt that a motorist is violating the law, they should not be afraid to apprehend them.
He said the police should draw a straight line on the street and ask the motorist to walk on it for sobriety test. Duterte said sometimes police are afraid to motorists who refuse arrest.
“Guyura ninyo (Drag him)” he said citing the police could tie a rope on the neck of the violator and drag him to the police station once he resist apprehension.
“If he would not go with you physically then you (the police) can do what you want,” Duterte said.
Duterte warns violators not to fight with the police especially if they are caught because of a valid reason. (davaotoday.com)
