Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday called for a Senate investigation into the sharp rise in road crashes and drunk driving incidents, citing alleged enforcement lapses and problems with breathalyzer units used by traffic authorities.
Tulfo said Department of Health data showed 1,555 road crash incidents were recorded during Holy Week, while drunk driving cases rose by more than 255% compared with the previous year.
According to the senator, the figures raise serious concerns about whether authorities can reliably detect intoxicated drivers and prevent repeat offenses.
Tulfo pointed to long-standing procurement issues, noting reports that the Philippine National Police (PNP) received only 17 breathalyzers out of a ₱330 million purchase in 2020—an allegation the PNP has denied.
He also cited findings that none of the 756 breathalyzers worth ₱51 million procured by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were usable due to defects or lack of calibration.
He said hundreds of units supplied by 3R Metalcraft were allegedly damaged beyond repair, with the company reportedly shutting down shortly after delivery. LTO records indicated many units were scrapped or marked unserviceable, leaving only a small number operational.
While later procurement efforts reportedly increased the number of usable units to 581 nationwide, Tulfo questioned why those involved in the disputed contracts have not been held accountable.
His office, he said, has already “immediately coordinated with the concerned agencies to secure updates on the status of their respective breath analyzer units.”
Tulfo added that the PNP Highway Patrol Group admitted it has not received any breathalyzers, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acknowledged it has only limited units.
The senator said he will file a Senate probe to identify lapses and ensure accountability, stressing the need for stricter enforcement. He urged authorities to conduct random sobriety checks outside peak periods and increase monitoring near bars and nightlife areas.
Tulfo also announced plans to push amendments to the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, including heavier penalties and streamlined implementation. He said the reforms should also grant agencies equal authority and funding for equipment procurement to strengthen enforcement nationwide.