Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza has ordered a thorough investigation into the 756 defective and unused breath analyzers purchased by the agency in 2015 and 2017.
During a Senate Committee on Public Services hearing chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo, it was revealed that law enforcement agencies currently lack the equipment necessary to enforce Republic Act 10586, the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
According to the LTO, the total cost of the breath analyzers was over PHP 51 million.
The initial 150 units were bought in two separate batches at PHP 68,000 each. The subsequent 600 units were purchased at PHP 38,000 each.
However, after a few years, both the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) returned the units to LTO because they were no longer operational.
Based on the LTO’s assessment, only 288 units are still eligible for recalibration. Asec. Mendoza noted that it would be more practical to buy new units rather than repair the old ones.
If new purchases will be made, the LTO will ensure they are cost-effective, follow proper procedures, and are handled with transparency.
Under Mendoza's directive, an investigation will be carried out to identify where the lapses occurred and to hold those involved accountable.
