By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated December 20, 2010
MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren Legarda stressed yesterday the need for a law imposing stricter penalties for drunk driving, noting that numerous cases of vehicular accidents involve individuals under the influence of alcohol.
Legarda made the statement as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned of more vehicular accidents during the holiday season due to drunk driving.
“Drivers should be responsible all the time because a lot of alcohol-related vehicular accidents oftentimes result in death and injury to innocent victims. Driving under the influence of liquor or illegal drugs is prohibited under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, but it merely imposes a minimal penalty and does not really address the seriousness of the matter,” she said.
The senator has filed Senate Bill 1339, which seeks to penalize individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol. She batted for jail time ranging from six months to six years, or a fine ranging from P20,000 to P80,000, or both.
Meanwhile, if the person caught under the influence of alcohol has caused physical injuries or homicide, the penalty shall be the same as stated in Article 263 or Article 249, respectively, of the Revised Penal Code.
Aside from imposing penalties, the bill also seeks to address the problem of drunk driving through various measures, such as driver education as well as mandatory alcohol and drug testing of drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents.
Legarda also pushed for the establishment of a drunk driving prevention fund that will be used for the implementation of this measure, and the conduct of a public information campaign by alcohol beverage manufacturers about drunk driving and its ill effects.
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