EDITORIAL - Next step, enforcement

Many fatal road accidents, especially on winding mountain roads, have been blamed on drivers who were drunk or under the influence of drugs. Now those drivers can be fined up to P500,000 and sent to prison depending on the damage or human casualties resulting from an accident. Motorists can be penalized simply for driving under the influence, even if they do not figure in a vehicular mishap.

Last week President Aquino signed into law Republic Act 10586, which penalizes persons driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and similar substances. As in other laws in this country, the difficult part is proper implementation.

RA 10586 requires the Philippine National Police and the Land Transportation Office to deputize personnel to enforce the law. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is also tasked to enforce RA 10586. Concerns have been raised that the new law, enforced in countries such as the United States, will be used as another tool for extortion. The PNP and LTO should open hotlines to receive public complaints.

Another concern is that those tasked to enforce the law will not have the necessary equipment to do the job. The government will have to acquire breath analyzers and other devices to test for alcohol, drugs and similar substances that might have been used by a driver. The test results should be able to stand in court in case a driver apprehended for violating the new law challenges the indictment.

Authorities will also have to instruct the enforcers to ensure that the law is applied equally, and not just to bus and truck drivers on long-haul trips. Politicians and other public officials, entertainment celebrities, wealthy businessmen tooling around in Audis, and other VIPs cannot be exempted. Placing anyone above the law ensures its uselessness. RA 10586 is a welcome piece of legislation. Now it must be effectively enforced.