By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas has sent 19 of its 25 breath analyzers to its central office in Manila for recalibration to ensure their accuracy in enforcing Republic Act 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, as the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City approaches.
Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed on Friday, January 10, that the recalibrated devices will be promptly returned to ensure they are available for enforcement.
“I called the regional director, and he assured me that the breath analyzers are only being checked. Once completed, they will be sent back, especially since it’s Dinagyang season,” Abalos said, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment.
LTO-6 Director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan revealed in a local radio interview that six breath analyzers in the region were found defective.
The recalibration aligns with the agency’s ongoing review of drunk driving cases in Western Visayas.
Under Republic Act 10586, drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs face penalties such as fines, suspension, or revocation of their driver’s licenses.
“In 2024, two licenses were revoked based on our recommendations, and revocation orders were received from the central office. Currently, one case from this year is under investigation, while a case from October of last year is still pending approval,” Geduspan said.
One of the cases involves a 57-year-old driver from Iloilo City who admitted to being intoxicated when his vehicle crashed into plant barriers along Diversion Road on December 27, 2024.
The case has been forwarded to the LTO’s legal department to determine whether the driver’s license will be suspended or revoked.
Geduspan reiterated the agency’s strict enforcement of the law, stating that drivers with revoked licenses may reapply only after four years, subject to approval.
