Female Driver Faces LTO Hearing for Alleged Drunk Driving
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order to a female driver whose video went viral, appearing to show her drinking while driving. The incident drew the attention of both authorities and the public, prompting the LTO to summon her to explain her actions.
According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, the violation appeared to have been flaunted on social media. He emphasized that such behavior is strictly prohibited and that the driver will face a formal hearing at the LTO to clarify whether the beverage in question was indeed alcoholic.
The LTO expressed concern that incidents of reckless driving, particularly involving alcohol, may increase during the holiday season with upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. To prevent such cases, the agency has intensified the deployment of its enforcement units, equipped with breath analyzers, to implement the Anti-Drunk and Drug Driving Law.
“Whenever someone causes an accident or violates traffic rules under the influence, the consequences can be severe. Sometimes, it’s even a matter of life and death,” Lacanilao said.
Currently, the LTO has 400 breath analyzer units distributed across the country, with additional units expected to arrive soon. These devices measure the alcohol content in a person’s body based on the air they exhale. Alcohol consumed mixes with the bloodstream and is exhaled through the lungs. The results depend on the amount of alcohol ingested and the individual’s metabolism.
Under LTO regulations, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.5%. Stricter rules apply to drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and motorcycles, who must maintain zero alcohol in their system while operating their vehicles.
Meanwhile, the LTO is the government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing land transportation, including issuing driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and enforcing traffic rules and road safety laws.