Makati imposes stiffer fines for drunk driving

If you plan to drive under the influence of liquor or drugs on the streets of Makati City, be sure you have another P500 to spare apart from the regular fines imposed on violators.

The city council of the country’s financial district has recently passed as ordinance increasing the fine for drunk driving from the P2,000 to P2,500. Under the Land Transportation Office rules, the violation carries a P2,000 fine.

The new ordinance, according to Mayor Jejomar Binay, intends to deter drivers from driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs and thus prevent accidents caused by irresponsible driving in the business capital.

"We want to prevent damage to property, physical harm to individuals and even death which may be caused by intoxicated drivers," he said.

Binay has directed the city police department, public safety department and the barangays to strictly impose the newly-signed law.

The mayor noted that enforcers should focus on areas near bars and restaurants.

According to the City Public Safety Department chief Hermenigildo San Miguel, all drivers who are suspected of being intoxicated while driving would be taken to the Ospital ng Makati for mandatory testing.

San Miguel said his men have been trained on how to detect signs of possible intoxication, which include recklessness and hostility when apprehended.

If the test yields positive results, the violator may also face various charges including violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165. – Edu Punay