While Lent it is the season for fasting and prayer, this week-long holiday is also seen by many as the time to relax and take a break from their usual daily grind. Unfortunately, this relaxation and break often leads to a get-together with friends, family, and booze.
The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) reminds the public again that booze and driving/riding don’t mix well and could land you jail time plus penalties in accordance with RA 10586 Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
Just this April 2022, I-ACT says they apprehended close to a dozen individuals who were driving or riding under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance. In a joint operation last April 8 in SM Mall of Asia terminal, 6 PUV drivers were found positive for illegal drugs, while 1 was drunk and 1 refused to undergo testing. These drivers were taken under PDEA’s custody and once confirmed, will be charged with violation of RA 10586.
On April 5, a motorcycle rider was taken under police custody after he figured in an accident with a sedan. According to I-ACT, though the rider denies that he is riding his motorcycle while intoxicated, his actions say otherwise because he can’t even maintain his balance during the sobriety test, and even fell a few times.
During the breathalyzer test, authorities were shocked to find out that the rider has a 0.41% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Anything that is above 0.4% BAC can lead to alcohol poisoning or even death.
Since 2013, the Philippines has a law prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs, which is Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
Under the law, it is prohibited for a driver to operate a private motor vehicle not exceeding 4,500kg if he or she has a BAC of 0.05% and above. Depending on your body built and weight, it would take an average person 2 bottles of SMB Light to have a BAC of 0.05%. For PUV drivers or riders, the limit is 0.00% BAC.
Fines range from PHP 80,000 up to PHP 500,000 and 6-months jail time plus revocation of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
If it can’t be helped, sleep it off at the celebrant’s or a friend's house until the next morning. You can also book a ride with Grab or Awto or Angkas. Or you can take a cab. Return to your motorcycle the next day to bring it back home.
Best solution: exercise self control and don't drink at all. Alcoholic beverages and operating a vehicle don’t mix well, and that goes double for motorcycles where balance and presence of mind are critical.
If you're not drinking, don't think you're being "KJ". You're just being responsible.
