House panel approves bill on stiffer penalties for drunk, drugged driving

Mara Cepeda

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House panel approves bill on stiffer penalties for drunk, drugged driving
If passed into law, the measure would impose a longer imprisonment period and higher fines

MANILA, Philippines – A House bill seeking to impose stiffer penalties on persons caught driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and other similar substances got the approval of the House committee on transportation on Tuesday, September 27. 

House Bill (HB) Number 5 was co-authored by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and several other ranking lawmakers at the House of Representatives:

  • Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Ilocos Norte 1st District
  • Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Quezon 5th District
  • Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, Batangas 2nd District
  • Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya Jr, Camarines Sur 1st District
  • Michael John Duavit, Rizal 1st District
  • Carlos Cojuangco, Tarlac 1st District
  • Karlo Nograles, Davao City 1st District
  • Elisa Kho, Masbate 2nd District
  • Benhur Salimbangon, Cebu 4th District
  • Rodel Batocabe, AKO Bicol

After passing the committee level, the measure is now up for 2nd reading.  

In their explanatory note, the authors noted that road accidents caused by drunk driving rose from 390 in 2013 to 498 in 2014 based on data from the Philippine National Police’s Highway PAtrol Group.

They also noted a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority report saying that driving under the influence remains one of the leading causes of accidents in the country from January to July 2015.

HB Number 5 would amend Section 12 of Republic Act (RA) Number 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

RA Number 10586 makes it unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and similar substances. 

Condition of Offense Current Penalty Proposed Penalty
No physical injuries or homicide 3 months imprisonment + P20,000 to P80,000 fine 5 months imprisonment + P30,000 to P100,000 fine
With physical injuries Penalty provided under Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty provided in the next preceding subparagraph, whichever is higher + P100,000 to P200,000 Penalty provided under Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty provided in the next preceding subparagraph, whichever is higher + 150,000 to P250,000
With homicide Penalty provided in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code + P300,000 to P500,000  Penalty provided in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code + P350,000 to P550,000 

According to HB Number 5’s authors, the measure aims to prevent deaths due to drunk and drugged driving.

“With the increasing number of accidents related to alcohol intoxication, the government needs to strengthen its advocacy on road safety to lessen road deaths attributed to drunk driving,” said the lawmakers. – Rappler.com

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Mara Cepeda

Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.