LTO says most breath analyzers from past admins now irreparable

BETTER SOBER THAN SORRY A provincial bus driver is tested for alcohol intake using a breathalyzer at the Cubao transport terminal in this file photo taken in 2018. INQUIRER file photo / JAM STA. ROSA

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revealed that only over 200 out of the 756 defective breath analyzers, or breathalyzers, purchased in 2015 and 2017 can be repaired.

This was disclosed after conducting an inventory of the devices, which were acquired for the implementation of Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

In a statement on Friday, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II ordered the agency to canvas shops to repair and calibrate the salvageable units.

“These breath analyzers were not bought under this administration. The first batch of 150 units were bought in 2015 for P10.2 million while the rest of the more than 600 units were bought in 2017 for more than P38,000 per unit. The total cost of these two procurements for a total of 756 units of breath analyzers were P33.8 million,” Mendoza explained.

READ: MMDA, LTO start breath tests vs drunk driving March 12

He said that 215 units were given to the Philippine National Police, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority received 50 units. These agencies also enforce the RA 10586.

Additionally, Mendoza clarified that the inventory process was delayed due to the distribution of the remaining units across LTO’s regional office.

In 2020, the PNP returned 50 units, followed by another 150 units in 2021, all for mandatory calibration.

Meanwhile, during the initial canvassing, it was discovered that the supplier of more than 600 units in 2017 had closed shop a few months after delivery, which complicated the recalibration.

“What we are doing now is to save more than 200 units by looking for the shop that could do the job,” said Mendoza.

However, Mendoza said that LTO is still determining whether to repair or purchase new devices, as they are looking for the most cost-effective approach.

“If we can save by purchasing brand new, then we will do it because these breath analyzers are very important in the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013,” Mendoza said.

Inquiries breath analyzers arose during a Senate investigation.

“The issue on the breathalyzers is one of the issues that I came across with when I inquired about why they are not being used. This was when I assumed the top post in July last year,” said Mendoza.

But Mendoza added that other pressing issues, such as backlogs on license plates and driver’s licenses, as well as improvements to digital platforms, took precedence. — Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, INQUIRER.net intern