Stiffer penalties for drunk driving pushed
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo filed a proposed measure calling for stricter penalties on driving under the influence of alcohol.
In filing for Senate Bill 2546, Tulfo noted that despite the passage of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, drunk driving has been increasingly rampant throughout the years.
Likewise, he shared that the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) Law Enforcement Service-Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Enforcement Unit responded to 402 road crash incidents from January to August 2022, wherein 353 of those drivers involved in these incidents tested positive for alcohol intoxication.
According to the PNP Highway Patrol Group, the number of road accidents caused by drunk drivers rose from 59 incidents or at least 90% in November of 2022 compared to the 31 incidents recorded in October of the same year.
Citing a particular case, Tulfo recalled that last November 1, 2023, a pickup truck driver, identified as Alyssa Mae Pacrin Abitria, caused a three-vehicle wreck in Calamba City, Laguna.
The accident resulted in five fatalities namely, spouses Gilbert Palupit and Aileen Palupit, and three of their children.
It was noted by police investigators that Abitria smelled of liquor, however, her alcohol test came out negative.
However, Police Deputy Chief Major Aguilar explained the “negative” result may have been due to the test being conducted a day after the incident.
Tulfo lamented that even though Abitria faced multiple charges such as reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, multiple damage to properties and violations under RA 10586, she was released on bail amounting to P120,000.
