A legislator is advocating for amendments to Republic Act No. 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, to include restrictions on drivers who are “tipsy” or have consumed minimal amounts of alcohol.
Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña filed House Bill 11220, also known as the proposed Anti-Impaired Driving Act of 2024.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Cendaña emphasized the need to address drivers whose blood alcohol levels, while below current thresholds, still impair their ability to drive safely.
“We’ve seen that drivers don’t need to be heavily drunk to be impaired. Even those who are just tipsy can pose a risk on the road,” Cendaña said.
He noted that about a third of road-related accidents leading to fatalities involve alcohol.
The bill proposes the random use of breathalyzers at toll booths and near establishments serving alcohol.
It also calls for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to procure sufficient breathalyzers and submit annual distribution reports to Congress.
If passed, the law would empower local traffic officers, toll operators, and designated units to enforce the stricter provisions.
Experts would determine the criteria for what constitutes being “tipsy,” with Cendaña suggesting that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.05% should not be allowed to drive.
From 2015 to 2019, over 5,200 alcohol-related fatalities were recorded in the Philippines, according to Cendaña.
Recent incidents, such as a pickup truck crash in Cebu City and a motorcycle accident in Tayabas City, underscore the need for stricter regulations.
The proposed amendment aligns with other legislative efforts, including a similar measure filed by Anakalusugan Rep. Ray Reyes earlier this month.
Both bills aim to enhance road safety, particularly during the holiday when alcohol consumption increases.