THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) to intensify the implementation of the Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 in the city.
Councilor Claudio Puentevella, who authored the resolution, said several fatal road accidents and road mishap occurred in Bacolod City involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and other substances which are detrimental to the safety of the general public and are considered as dangers to the public.
He said the strict implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act will protect the citizens of Bacolod against reckless and irresponsible drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and other prohibited substances.
Puentevella, chairperson of the City Council committee on health, noted that Section 5 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.
Puentevella said Section 5 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10568 or the Anti-drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 stated that it shall be unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or other similar substances.
He said RA No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 also provides that the Local Government Units shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance.