Lawyer is LTO’s 1st catch using breathalyzer

MANILA, Philippines—A lawyer became the first motorist apprehended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for drunk driving on the day the agency started using the breath analyzer test, an official said.

Michael Angelo Ventura III was caught driving under the influence of alcohol on Timog Avenue in Quezon City around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, LTO spokesperson Jason Salvador said.

Ventura, who was then driving a black Honda City, was initially flagged down for “reckless driving,” Salvador said in an interview. When he was subjected to a breathalyzer test, the result indicated a 0.121-percent blood alcohol content (BAC), which exceeded the 0.05-percent concentration acceptable for motorists, the LTO official explained.

Enacted in 2013, the law against drunk driving sets the legal BAC limit at 0.05. Drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs), however, should have no trace of alcohol at all and register a BAC of 0.0.

Drivers suspected of being drunk will go through the breathalyzer test only if they fail three sobriety tests: They will be asked to stand on one leg without losing balance, walk on a straight line, and follow a moving object with their eyes.

Salvador said Ventura underwent inquest proceedings Friday in the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Under the law, a driver found in violation faces fines of P20,000 to P80,000. If the driving led to injuries, the fines go higher at P100,000 to P200,000. Private motorists would have their licenses suspended for 12 months while PUV drivers will have their licenses revoked.