Navotas gets tough vs drunk drivers

Drunk drivers should think twice, if they still can, before entering Navotas.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco yesterday directed the Navotas Police, the town hall Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) and barangay officials to strictly enforce a municipal ordinance against drunk driving.

Tiangco admonished all persons behind the wheel to act responsibly citing an oft-repeated advice that if one should be driving, he should not drink and vice-versa.

The mayor added that people should be extra careful at all times when seated behind the wheel of any vehicle.

"We want to ensure everyone’s lives to enjoy a merry Christmas by keeping everyone safe from irresponsible drivers. Also, the life you save following this advice could be yours," he said.

Tiangco said that he intends to enforce the ban on drunk driving to ensure the safety of the public, both motorists and pedestrians, especially this season of holidays when parties are the rule of thumb.

POSO chief Danny Manalaysay said more traffic enforcers would be fielded in strategic areas particularly in the vicinity of fun establishments.

When pressed as to how they would determine if one is drunk or not, they gave a simple reply.

"Routinary yan sa part ng enforcers. Amoy o attitude at gewang ng saksakyan, tapos may medical (test) to confirm," said an official, who declined to be named.

Drivers suspected of drunk driving will be taken to the Navotas Emergency and Lying-in Clinic for mandatory testing, Manalaysay said.

He added that the findings of an alcohol test would provide them with additional basis to file charges against erring drivers.

Municipal Ordinance 2004-13, likewise known as the Navotas Traffic Code, imposes a fine of P2,500 or imprisonment of one day or both on violators. – Jerry Botial