Alleged drunk driver rescued after SUV falls into creek in QC
An SUV plunged into a creek in Quezon City on the evening of Saturday, July 4, with authorities saying the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
In pictures posted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the vehicle was seen flipped upside down in the creek near the intersection of G. Araneta Avenue and Del Monte Avenue.
Meanwhile, a video captured by a bystander showed concerned residents helping the driver out of the vehicle.
Emergency responders from the MMDA, Quezon City Ambulance Service, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection quickly responded to the scene and confirmed the driver's safety.
Authorities reported that the crash was caused by the driver being under the influence of alcohol.
"Nailigtas ang driver, ngunit ang insidenteng ito ay isang malinaw na paalala: ang pagmamaneho nang nakainom ay hindi lamang naglalagay sa iyong buhay sa panganib, kundi pati na rin sa buhay ng iba," the MMDA said.
"Ipinagbabawal sa batas ang pagmamaneho nang nakainom. Maging responsableng motorista," it added.
Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, prohibits one from driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and/or other similar substances.
Authorities will perform field sobriety tests or standardized tests to establish and determine the intoxication of the subject driver.
If the violation did not result in physical injuries or homicide, the violator will be slapped with a P20,000 to P80,000 fine and three months' jail time.
If the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty provided in Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P200,000 shall be imposed.
If the violation resulted in homicide, the violator will be slapped with the penalty in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code, and a fine of P300,000-P500,000.
