'Palpak': P18 million worth of nonfunctional breathalyzers returned to LTO
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'Palpak': P18 million worth of nonfunctional breathalyzers returned to LTO
MANILA — At least 265 breathalyzers worth more than P18 million were returned to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for being nonfunctional, according to the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services on Wednesday.
MANILA — At least 265 breathalyzers worth more than P18 million were returned to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for being nonfunctional, according to the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services on Wednesday.
Each breathalyzer, which is meant to assist law enforcers in implementing the anti-drunk driving law, costs P68,000.
Each breathalyzer, which is meant to assist law enforcers in implementing the anti-drunk driving law, costs P68,000.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) they returned their respective 215 and 50 units.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) they returned their respective 215 and 50 units.
“I remember at that time, then Chairman, the late Danilo Lim, tested the breath analyzer by asking one of his security to drink alcohol and try the breath analyzer and it registered zero alcohol level that’s why we returned it,” MMDA Acting Chair Romando Artes said.
“I remember at that time, then Chairman, the late Danilo Lim, tested the breath analyzer by asking one of his security to drink alcohol and try the breath analyzer and it registered zero alcohol level that’s why we returned it,” MMDA Acting Chair Romando Artes said.
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Artes recalled giving back the 215 units to LTO before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artes recalled giving back the 215 units to LTO before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Two to three years ago we received units but we returned because it was not calibrated,” said Highway Patrol Group Deputy Director for Administration, Police Colonel Bobby Abao.
“Two to three years ago we received units but we returned because it was not calibrated,” said Highway Patrol Group Deputy Director for Administration, Police Colonel Bobby Abao.
LTO Executive Director Francis Almora said they gave a total of 756 units to their regional offices, MMDA and PNP.
LTO Executive Director Francis Almora said they gave a total of 756 units to their regional offices, MMDA and PNP.
Committee Chair Senator Raffy Tulfo slammed LTO.
Committee Chair Senator Raffy Tulfo slammed LTO.
“So, ibig sabihin yung breathalyzer na P68,000 ang halaga lang noon wala pang piso dahil palpak,” Tulfo said.
“So, ibig sabihin yung breathalyzer na P68,000 ang halaga lang noon wala pang piso dahil palpak,” Tulfo said.
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“Sinasayang natin ang pera ng taumbayan.”
“Sinasayang natin ang pera ng taumbayan.”
According to Tulfo, a breathalyzer in the United States just costs P5,000 to P14,000, while a unit from Thailand costs P3,000, and a unit in China costs P22,000.
According to Tulfo, a breathalyzer in the United States just costs P5,000 to P14,000, while a unit from Thailand costs P3,000, and a unit in China costs P22,000.
Tulfo also cited the Commission on Audit Report flagging the P51 million worth of equipment not used by LTO which includes the breathalyzers.
Tulfo also cited the Commission on Audit Report flagging the P51 million worth of equipment not used by LTO which includes the breathalyzers.
According to Almora, their regional offices were able to use the breathalyzers and even have more than a thousand apprehensions, which Tulfo does not believe.
According to Almora, their regional offices were able to use the breathalyzers and even have more than a thousand apprehensions, which Tulfo does not believe.
Almora could not explain why some breathalyzers did not work as he was only appointed in July 2023. He said he will report to the Committee what happened to the returned units.
Almora could not explain why some breathalyzers did not work as he was only appointed in July 2023. He said he will report to the Committee what happened to the returned units.
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Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Jesus Ortega committed to Tulfo to look into the unused equipment. He also committed to put on hold the purchase of new breathalyzer.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Jesus Ortega committed to Tulfo to look into the unused equipment. He also committed to put on hold the purchase of new breathalyzer.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
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