MANILA, Philippines -The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday expressed support to the law signed by President Benigno Aquino III that penalizes the acts of driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and other similar substances to ensure public safety on the roads.
PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. said the agency stands behind Republic Act 10586, or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013â€, to help address the rising incidence of alcohol, and drug abuse among drivers.
"We are thankful that the anti-drunk and drug measure was passed and signed into law. RA 10586 definitely enhances the efficacy of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. It discourages drug use and at the same time promotes public safety and protection against drunk and drugged drivers," he said.
The newly-enacted law empowers law enforcement officers and deputized local traffic enforcement officers to conduct field sobriety, chemical and confirmatory tests if they have probable cause to believe that a person operating a motor vehicle is under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs.
Under RA 10586, the Land and Transportation Office is also allowed to conduct random terminal inspections and quick random drug tests on public utility drivers.
"The surprise drug tests in the transport sector is another deterrent to illegal drug use on public drivers, particularly on provincial bus drivers plying long routes, to lessen drug-related road accidents resulting in serious physical injuries or worse, death," Cacdac said.