By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) will use newly recalibrated alcohol breath analyzers (ABAs) during the Dinagyang Festival to curb drunk driving.
LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan announced on Wednesday, January 22, that the agency has received four recalibrated ABAs from its central office. These are part of 19 units sent for recalibration last year.
“We can deploy our enforcers using the ABAs. This is for deterrence. We are proactive. We prevent it before it happens,” Geduspan said.
The devices are exclusive to LTO use, as Republic Act 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) requires PNP and other authorities to be deputized before using them.
Due to the limited number of devices, they will primarily be used during random checks and vehicular accidents. Drivers suspected of being under the influence must first fail the Standardized Field Sobriety Test before undergoing a breathalyzer test.
The device measures blood alcohol concentration, with a 0.00 reading indicating no alcohol intake. Readings of 0.01 or higher for motorcycle drivers and 0.05 or higher for drivers of four-wheeled vehicles may result in penalties.
The ABAs generate printed receipts with results, which can be used as evidence in legal cases. The recalibrated units are valid for legal proceedings for six months after calibration.
Geduspan highlighted the importance of strict enforcement, noting that drunk driving remains a leading cause of road accidents.
HEAVY TRAFFIC
Commuters and motorists in Iloilo City are advised to plan their trips ahead as major road closures take effect starting Wednesday night, January 22, in preparation for the Dinagyang Festival.
TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos warned of heavy traffic in the City Proper district and urged the public to leave early.
“We are advising motorists who have offices and classes to be early because the downtown area will experience heavy traffic due to road closures,” Garbanzos said during a press conference on Tuesday, January 21.
Road closures begin at 9:00 p.m. on January 22 to allow the installation of kiosks for the Dinagyang Food Festival. Inaccessible roads include Bonifacio Road, Solis Street, Valeria Street, Delgado Street, Iznart Street, and Mapa Street.
Authorities are urging motorists to cooperate and use alternate routes during the festivities.
Mayor Jerry Treñas appealed to residents and visitors to maintain cleanliness and order throughout the festival.
“As the excitement for the Dinagyang Festival builds, I appeal to everyone to practice responsible waste disposal. Vendors are reminded to provide garbage bins to manage waste properly,” Treñas emphasized.
The mayor also urged the public to respect the city’s greenery, acknowledging the efforts of gardeners in maintaining Iloilo’s plants and landscapes.
To ensure convenience, portalets have been placed in strategic locations, and blocking for the festival tribes has already begun.
