MMDA enforcers to undergo sobriety tests

Manila, Philippines -  After reports of boozing on the job, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcers will be required to undergo breathalyzer tests, an official said yesterday.

The new policy covering the 1,400 traffic enforcers was imposed following complaints about some personnel, said Yves Gonzales, director of MMDA’s traffic discipline office.

“We got complaints that there were enforcers who were drinking on duty. Just three days ago, we received a complaint via Twitter that one enforcer smelled of liquor,” he said.

He said the tests would be conducted at random as the enforcers report for duty.

Those caught face a suspension of between one and six months for the first offense and dismissal for the second, he added.

MMDA spokesperson Maria Luwalhati Dorotan said the agency has acquired an initial five breathalyzers at P30,000 each and tested them yesterday on traffic enforcers, who are not allowed to have alcohol in their bodies while on duty. No one tested positive for alcohol.

According to Dorotan, there is an urgent need for local government units in Metro Manila to come up with a standard measure for drunkenness, especially for motorists suspected of drunk driving.

“Makati and Quezon City both set the limit of blood alcohol content at 0.06 percent for motorists,” she said. In Makati, the fine for drunk driving is set at P2,500, the MMDA said.