A person driving while intoxicated could spend up to six years in jail under a bill filed by Senator Richard Gordon.
Gordon said Senate Bill 1898 is intended to address the menace to life and property posed by drivers under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
"Drivers under the influence of liquor or illegal drugs who cause physical injuries or death shall be punished according to the penalties prescribed under the Revised Penal Code," he said.
The bill punishes intoxicated drivers even if they don’t cause any injury or damage to property.
The licenses of first-time offenders will be suspended for six months, while the licenses of second-time offenders can be revoked for one year.
But "a third conviction shall result in the revocation of the driver’s license and perpetual disqualification to hold a driver’s license," Gordon said.
Aside from stiffer penalties on intoxicated drivers, the bill also provides for mandatory alcohol and drug testing for all driver’s license applicants.
Applicants will also be required to attend a course explaining how alcohol, illegal drugs and even some over-the-counter medicines can affect their ability to drive safely.
"The driver’s license shall not be issued until the applicant has passed a written examination on the harmful consequences and penalties for driving while intoxicated with liquor or illegal drugs," he said.
Gordon also proposed the creation of a Drunk Driving Prevention Fund. The fund will be collected from the fees charged for licenses and motor vehicle transactions and will be used to fund the mandatory tests and training provided for in his bill.
Gordon sounded the alarm over an increase in deaths from vehicular accidents involving intoxicated drivers.
He cited the case of a student of the University of the Philippines who was killed after being run over on the sidewalk by a drunken driver.
"There must be full personal and social responsibility for the incidence of drunken driving in our country," he said.