ILOILO City – Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs in Western Visayas will face intensified enforcement as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other government agencies forged a strategic alliance aimed at removing high-risk drivers from the region’s roads and reducing crash-related deaths.
The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, seeks to strengthen the enforcement of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act through aggressive roadside stop-and-test operations, mandatory testing requirements, intelligence-sharing, and public awareness campaigns.
LTO Region 6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing the continuing threat posed by impaired drivers to public safety.
“This partnership goes beyond compliance — it’s about safeguarding lives and preventing devastating tragedies,” said Geduspan.
“Drunk driving and drug-impaired driving pose serious risks not only to the motorists themselves but to all road users. By uniting various sectors, we can strengthen our enforcement capabilities and create a safer environment for everyone on the road,” he explained.
Under the agreement, authorities will establish regular checkpoints and conduct rigorous sobriety and drug-impairment tests in strategic locations across the region. The initiative is designed to speed up the suspension or revocation of licenses of motorists found driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
LTO also committed to enforcing mandatory drug testing for all driver’s license applicants, while public utility vehicle drivers will be required to undergo alcohol and drug testing in compliance with Department of Transportation Order No. 2025-008.
As part of the intensified campaign, PDEA will deploy specialized K-9 units to inspect vehicles and transport garages for concealed illegal substances. Any drugs or drug-related paraphernalia discovered during inspections will be turned over to PDEA for proper investigation and custody.
Authorities will also roll out information drives and educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of impaired driving, while transport operators will be encouraged to promote safe driving practices among their personnel.
The agencies likewise plan to strengthen data collection and analysis of alcohol- and drug-related road incidents to identify high-risk areas and guide future enforcement operations.
PDEA Region 6, led by Regional Director Ralph Rommel Torres, will conduct regular awareness seminars for drivers and transport stakeholders to help prevent substance abuse and detect possible drug transport activities.
Officials expressed optimism that the alliance would serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation while helping curb alcohol- and drug-related road crashes, which remain a persistent threat to public safety in Western Visayas.
They also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of drunk or drugged driving to authorities./PN
