House passes bill providing stiffer penalties for drunk, drugged driving

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on final reading a bill seeking to provide stiffer penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and other similar substances.

With 203 affirmative votes and no negative votes, the lower chamber approved  House Bill No. 8914 which would amend the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10586).

Under the measure, those caught driving drunk or drugged will face a penalty of six months of imprisonment and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 if nobody gets injured.

If somebody gets injured, stiffer penalties will be imposed on the driver. Aside from imprisonment, a fine will imposed ranging from P150,000 to P250,000.

Meanwhile, if the violation resulted in homicide, a penalty of imprisonment and a fine ranging from P350,000 to P500,000 shall be imposed.

The nonprofessional driver’s license of a violator will also be confiscated and suspended for 18 months for the first conviction and perpetually revoked for the second conviction, according to the bill.

The professional driver’s license of a violator will be confiscated and perpetually revoked for the first conviction.

JE