Law vs drunk driving mulled

By Sammy Santos

Publish Date: [Monday, September 16, 2002]


Expressing surprise that no such law exists in the country's statute books, administration Sen. Manuel Villar filed a bill last week making it illegal for a person to drive a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.

"It is quite disturbing that at present there is no national law against drunk driving," said Villar, noting that only a number of premier cities and first-class municipalities have local ordinances prohibiting drunk driving.

"There is definitely a need for a law of national scope that will prohibit drunk driving," Villar, chair of the Senate finance committee said.

Villar explained that drivers who are under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs pose serious danger to motorists and pedestrians and they should be taken off the streets.

Under his bill, Villar proposed that persons found guilty for the first time of drunk driving must face a suspension of his driver's license for one year and be made to pay a fine of P1,000.

On the second offense, a fine of P5,000 and a five-year suspension of thedriver's license will be imposed.

"Such a law against drunk driving should have been put in place a long time ago. But it is never too late," Villar said.

In his proposal, Villar also directed the Department of Transportation and Communication, the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Departmentof Health to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the bill.