CEBU, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, is considering the procurement of new breath analyzers as part of strict law enforcement measures aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users.
Mendoza is pushing for the full implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 as soon as possible, following numerous road accidents involving drunk motorists in the country. To ensure effective enforcement, the LTO plans to deploy breath analyzers for use by traffic enforcers.
“We have an existing Philippine Road Safety Action Plan which is being actively pushed by our DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and the strict enforcement of Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 and the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 are part of this plan,” Mendoza said.
A breathalyzer is a diagnostic device that measures the amount of alcohol in a person's breath, thereby helping to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers.
Earlier, Mendoza ordered a review of the previously procured breath analyzers after reports indicated that many were no longer usable. Initial assessments revealed that only 288 out of 756 units could be fixed and recalibrated. Mendoza stated that they are awaiting the final assessment of the remaining units, which were procured in 2015 and 2017.
“Our focus right now is to repair the purchased breath analyzers because it is crucial to redistribute them to our personnel on the ground for the strict implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013,” said Mendoza.
He also mentioned that they are evaluating whether it would be more practical to buy new units rather than fixing and recalibrating the old ones.
Mendoza assured that the procurement process would be transparent if the LTO decides to purchase new breath analyzers.
“Titiyakin natinn na makukuha natin ito sa pinakamurang halaga but still under the specifications at makakatiyak tayo ng magandang quality ng mga breath analyzers,” Mendoza said.
“Ito naman ang bilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. na dapat transparent at dekalidad ang serbisyo sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas,” he added. /LPM