BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Region 6 (Western Visayas) is working on retrieving breath analyzers sent for recalibration two years ago to enhance enforcement of Republic Act 10586, also known as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
According to Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu, the Department of Transportation provided 25 breath analyzers to the region in 2021, out of which 19 were sent to the Central Office for recalibration, while six were found to be unserviceable or defective.
Conlu said LTO-6 director Gaudioso Geduspan II has directed a follow-up on the recalibrated breath analyzers, with the goal of retrieving them soon.
LTO-6 is also conducting training and seminars for police officers in the region to properly deputize them in enforcing laws against drunk driving.
Conlu pointed out the collaboration between LTO-6 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure proper handling of sobriety tests and breathalyzer use.
Field sobriety tests are conducted on drivers suspected of being intoxicated.
These tests include a series of physical assessments, such as the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests. Drivers who fail any of these tests will be required to take an alcohol breathalyzer test.
The breathalyzer measures the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).If the BAC exceeds the legal limit set by law, the results serve as the legal basis for further action, which may include arrest, fines, or other legal penalties related to driving under the influence.
Conlu expressed optimism that the recalibrated breath analyzers will be returned within the month, allowing police officers to utilize them during the Dinagyang Festival 2025, one of the region’s major events./PN
