Duterte orders strict enforcement of laws vs reckless driving in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city government will fund the case against overspeeding drivers, especially those caught under the influence of liquor or drugs, according to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

”If you don’t have the money to pursue the case, come to the city government and I will fund the case for you,” Duterte told families who might have fallen victims to overspeeding and reckless driving in the city.

He also warned overspeeding drivers who would test positive for liquor or drugs that they would be detained and charged by the police.

”Beginning tonight (Sunday), whoever is caught (overspeeding), smelling of liquor, I order the police to hold and not to release [the violators],” Duterte said.

”Bring them straight to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, and let them be tested for sobriety (for liquor) or drugs,” Duterte said during the Sunday television program ”Gikan sa masa, para sa masa.”  ”If you reek of liquor, or you’re tested positive for drugs, you will not be released,” Duterte warned drivers, two months after he signed an executive order setting the speed limits of vehicles in the city from 30 kilometers per hour in crowded downtown areas to 60 kilometers per hour along the highway.

He told people who have complained about the ”slowness” of life in the city that the local law against driving under the influence of drugs or liquor and the speed limit were just ways to protect people’s lives against road hazards brought about by reckless driving.