Don’t drink and drive

CEBU, Philippines — Drinking during Christmas parties? Commute or have someone sober drive you home.

This is the reminder of Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II yesterday to all motorists, as he appealed for them not to drink or get drunk during Christmas parties to ensure their own safety as they drive home back to their respective families.

He said that aside from the possibility that they get caught for violating Republic Act (RA) No. 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013), they might figure in a road accident and put their lives and that of other road users at risk.

“Kabi-kabila na ang mga last-minute Christmas parties at good time with friends and co-workers. Kung kaya namang iwasan ay huwag nang uminom at kung hindi talaga maiiwasan ay tiyakin na may magmamaneho sa inyo pauwi, or better yet, mag-commute na lang kayo,” said Mendoza.

“Dahil kung ipipilit ninyong magmaneho na lasing, baka sa ospital na kayo magising o kaya naman ay baka huling tagay niyo na pala dahil sa punerarya at sementeryo na ang diretso ninyo,” he added.

Mendoza’s warning is in line with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s directive to ensure the safety of all road users, especially that the number or vehicles in the streets is expected to increase during the Yuletide season.

Mendoza earlier instructed all LTO regional directors and district office heads to ramp up information drives and operations implementing RA 10586.

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people die in road accidents around the world every year while between 20 million to 50 million are injured, including injuries that result in permanent disability.

In the Philippines, around 12,000 Filipinos die every year as a result of road accidents, aside from tens of thousands more who suffer injuries that result in permanent disability.

“To our motorists, always remember that you have a spouse, whom you promise to grow old with, children, who still depends on you, and family members who are waiting for you in your homes,” Mendoza said.

“Huwag nating ipalit ang kaunting oras ng kaligayahan sa habang buhay na pagsisisi. Maging responsable tayong motorista para wala tayong problema,” he added.

In line with this, Dr. Karen F. Caudor, an adult cardiology specialist in Cebu, had also cautioned the public on “holiday heart syndrome”, which she said is caused by binge drinking.

The holiday heart syndrome is characterized by an increase in irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation, which is linked to a sudden rise in alcohol consumption.

Caudor’s adivse is for the public to drink moderately to avoid it.

“Wala ko nag-ingon nga moundang og inom, pero in moderation lang. Pwede man ta mo-enjoy, minos lang gamay,” she said.

Meanwhile, as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reminded sea passengers on their rights in cases of cancelled, delayed, or uncompleted voyages.

This is as indicated in the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Circular 2018-07, through an information dissemination drive across Philippine ports and passenger vessels.

Under the campaign, the DOTr Maritime Sector emphasized that sea passengers of a canceled or delayed voyage have the right to information and the right to a refund or revalidation of their tickets.

If sea passengers choose to revalidate their tickets, they may also avail of the right to amenities like snacks or meals and free accommodation, if deemed necessary, while waiting for their rescheduled trip.

The DOTr Maritime Sector also clarified that the right to compensation of sea passengers for a cancelled or delayed voyage applies only if the free accommodation is not practicable for the shipping operator.

Sea passengers of an uncompleted voyage, on the other hand, have the right to information, right to amenities, right to compensation, as well as the right to be transported to their destinations.

In terms of security, especially that people now throng the Cebu South Bus Terminal and seaport Pier 1 to get home, the Police Regional Office(PRO)-7 assured it ensured that the two locations are safe for travelers by deploying personnel who do strict luggage and baggage checks.

PRO-7 Regional Director Anthony Aberin yesterday said that he was happy that during his inspection of terminals, ports, and churches, there was at least a policeman stationed every 100 meters of each vicinity.

"The only thing I see that we should improve is the other police deployed on the road; their buddy is too far away. They should be close (to each other) so that if something happens, at least the one with him will be there immediately," he said.

He reminded the policemen to beef up visibility because seeing law enforcers in the streets assures the people that they are safe. — Romeo Marantal (FREEMAN)