Duterte OKs P330 million fund for radar speed guns

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has approved the procurement of P330 million worth of radar speed guns and other devices as part of measures to reduce road accidents in the country.

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said Duterte approved the police proposal to procure the radar speed guns and other gadgets during a command conference in Malacañang on Tuesday.

With radar speed guns, policemen can detect speeding vehicles on the road.

Also included in the pipeline are breathalyzers to check on drunk drivers and weighing scales for overloaded vehicles.

During their presentation, Gamboa said the President immediately asked when they intend to buy the gadgets and the budget needed.

“Right away the President approved it. He is that concerned,” he told radio station dzMM.

Gamboa said the President was concerned over recent reports of road accidents where people have been killed.

Among the mishaps is a collision between a speeding van and a tricycle in Mulanay, Quezon on New Year’s Eve that left five people dead.

Two people also died when a speeding commuter jeepney met an accident in Antipolo City last Thursday.

The police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has documented at least 9,600 road accidents last year wherein more than 1,100 people died.

Gamboa did not say when they will start the bidding process for the procurement of the gadgets.