The Land Transportation Office will begin the process of revoking the licenses of motorists who exceed legal alcohol limits starting Nov. 15, intensifying its campaign against drunk driving and road crashes.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said motorists who test above the allowable blood alcohol concentration through a breath analyzer will be issued a show-cause order before any final decision on revocation is made.
“For example, ‘yung tao napara tapos may violation siya…ibe-breath analyzer ‘yan. Pag nag-breath analyzer ‘yan at nag-positive siya, automatic isho-show cause ‘yan…Bibigyan siya ng due process. Doon, magpapaliwanag siya kung bakit siya nag-positive. Then, ang magiging hatol ay revocation,” Lacanilao said.
The move is aimed at keeping intoxicated drivers off Philippine roads before they cause crashes that could injure or kill motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
Under RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, driving while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited nationwide. Law enforcers who have probable cause to suspect drunk driving may conduct field sobriety tests, followed by mandatory breath analyzer testing if the motorist fails those checks.
The implementing rules set the allowable blood alcohol concentration at below 0.05% for drivers of private vehicles weighing no more than 4,500 kilograms. For drivers of trucks, buses, motorcycles and public utility vehicles, any reading above 0.00% is considered conclusive proof of driving under the influence.
A motorist who registers above the prescribed limit may also be arrested and have the vehicle impounded.
The law already carries serious penalties. A conviction for drunk driving that does not result in physical injury or homicide may bring three months of imprisonment and a fine ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱80,000. Higher penalties apply when the violation causes injuries or death.
For nonprofessional drivers, the law provides for confiscation and a 12-month license suspension upon the first conviction and permanent revocation upon the second. Professional drivers face confiscation and perpetual revocation upon the first conviction.
