TULFO BATS FOR STRICTER PENALTIES FOR DRUNK DRIVERS

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has filed a proposed measure calling for stricter penalties on drunk driving.

In filing Senate Bill No. 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.

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.

Police investigators said Abitria smelled of liquor, however, her alcohol test came out negative. But Police Deputy Chief Maj. 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 allowed to post bail in the amount of P120,000.

“There is an urgent need to pass legislation that calls for stricter penalties on driving under the influence of liquor. No one should ever experience the pain and suffering felt by the Palupit family, and all the other families victimized by one person’s poor decisions,” Tulfo said.

Under his proposed SB No. 246, if the violation of anti-drunk or driving measure resulted to homicide, he or she will face a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1,000,000. His driver’s license shall also be confiscated and suspended for a period of 24 months.