The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Friday, Dec. 22, reminded motorists joining holiday parties to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages to secure their safety driving back home.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said apprehended drivers under the influence of alcohol would be charged with Republic Act No. 10586, or the "Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013."

“Kabi-kabila na ang mga last minute Christmas parties at good time with friends and co-workers. Kung kaya naman iwasan ay huwag nang uminom at kung hindi talaga maiiwasan ay tiyakin na may magmamaneho sa inyo pauwi, or better yet, mag-commute na lang kayo,” Mendoza said.

“Dahil kung ipipilit ninyong magmaneho na lasing, baka sa ospital na kayo magising o kaya naman ay baka huling tagay niyo na pala dahil sa punerarya at sementeryo na ang diretso ninyo,” he added.

Nearly 1.3 million individuals die in road mishaps globally every year, leaving 20 to 50 million others injured in the process which often results in permanent disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meanwhile, the land transportation agency underscored that the country suffers around 12,000 Filipinos dying on the roads annually following road accidents with about 10,000 others injured.

“To our motorists, always remember that you have a spouse, whom you promise to grow old with, children, who still depends on you, and family members who are waiting for you in your homes,” the LTO chief said.

“Huwag nating ipalit ang kaunting oras ng kaligayahan sa habang buhay na pagsisisi. Maging responsable tayong motorista para wala tayong problema,” he added.