
ILOILO City – The city government and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have joined forces to ensure safety and order along the newly opened Iloilo River North Bank Road, popularly known as the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard.
Mayor Jerry Treñas has prohibited the practice of “park shot”, which is the practice of drinking liquor while parked along the boulevard.
He also banned the sale of food in the area without the necessary permits.
For its part, LTO Region 6 will be conduct random alcohol breath tests on drivers passing through the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard.
This measure aims to prevent drunk driving and ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and other boulevard users.
LTO-6 director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II assured Treñas of the agency’s active involvement in maintaining public safety by deploying enforcement teams to the area.
The deployment, which began yesterday afternoon, has teams stationed outside the boulevard due to jurisdictional limitations.
Despite this, LTO enforcers successfully flagged down several vehicles operating within the boulevard.
Geduspan highlighted the importance of public safety, especially during celebrations, and confirmed that LTO-6 has four calibrated breath analyzers to detect intoxicated drivers.
Drivers found violating the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10586) face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and permanent revocation of driver’s licenses for repeat offenders or those involved in accidents.
LTO’s calibrated breath analyzers are inspected annually for accuracy.
Of the 25 breath analyzers provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in 2021, 19 are still undergoing recalibration, and six were deemed defective.
Geduspan is working to retrieve the recalibrated units to boost enforcement capabilities.
LTO-6 is also conducting training and deputization seminars for Philippine National Police (PNP) officers to enhance their enforcement of sobriety laws.
Suspected drunk drivers will undergo Field Sobriety Tests, including walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests, followed by a breathalyzer test to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Drivers exceeding the legal BAC limit will face arrest, fines, and other penalties.
Treñas stressed that maintaining discipline and enforcing safety regulations are critical to protecting the boulevard and its visitors.
“We will not tolerate irresponsible behavior that puts lives and public property at risk,” Treñas said.
The mayor reiterated that violators of these rules, along with other city ordinances, will face strict enforcement and penalties.
He commended Geduspan’s swift response and emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, including with the PNP and Department of Public Works and Highways.
“We recognize the importance of collaboration and need the full support of national agencies to effectively address any technical concerns and ensure proper enforcement of regulations,” Treñas said.
The Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, a P2.261-billion infrastructure project, spans five kilometers from Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao district to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, Iloilo.
The four-lane road includes bike paths, solar-powered LED lights, viewing decks, and recreational spaces, making it a popular destination.
However, concerns have been raised about improper usage of the boulevard, prompting stricter enforcement of safety regulations./PN