With the agency strictly implementing the law prohibiting such reckless act.
In a statement last October 28 (Wednesday), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced that a major penalty will be imposed upon those found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.
In addition to the penalties that may be imposed following a criminal conviction under Republic Act No. 10586 (or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013), the separate authority of the Assistant Secretary andTK Chief Markus Lacanilao was highlighted.
As stipulated under Section 27(a) of the same Act and under Section 4136, the licenses of drivers who have been flagged by the Law Enforcement Service (LES) for deficiencies or for failing an Alcohol Breath Analyzer (ABA) test shall be revoked, provided they are determined to be “improper persons to operate a motor vehicle.”
“Gusto nating matiyak na walang driver na makapagmaneho nang lasing o nasa impluwensiya ng droga nang hindi napapanagot sa batas,” said Lacanilao.
However, he also emphasized that the proper implementation of the law must also be followed and that deputized law enforcement officers strictly adhere to the proper procedures when apprehending motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and substances.
Through Memorandum No. MVL-2026-242, law enforcement officers are directed to follow a specific sequence of testing before apprehending a driver suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
If a driver fails the Field Sobriety Test, an assessment using an authorized breath analyzer shall then be conducted to measure the alcohol level in their system—but it cannot be used as the initial test or as the sole basis for preliminary screening.
Consequently, the LES is required to submit records of every apprehension, including instances where a driver refused to undergo testing, to the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) for appropriate review and action.
“[M]ahalaga ring tama ang proseso ng panghuhuli dahil ang pagpapatupad ng batas ay dapat mahigpit, maayos, at walang pagkukulang,” Lacanilao also stressed.
