QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday encouraged government officials and employees to take the lead in obeying traffic rules and be the models of road discipline.

In his official YouTube channel, President Marcos explained that improving traffic infrastructure alone won't solve the traffic problem as he emphasized the importance of road discipline, with government officials leading by example.

“Yan ang kailangan simulan sa aming hanay ng mga nasa gobyerno. Ang pang-aabuso at pagbabalewala sa batas trapiko ay hindi prebelehiyo na kasama sa sinumpaan naming mga lingkod bayan.”

(This is what we need to start in our ranks of those in the government. Abuse and neglect of traffic rules is not a privilege that belongs to sworn public servants.)

“Pangungunahan ng pamahalaan at lahat ng mga ahensya nito ang pagiging disiplinado sa ating mga lansangan,” he added. 

(The government and all its agencies must lead road discipline.) 

Heavy traffic has already become part of every Filipinos’ daily grind, especially those living in urban, highly populated areas. 

This has affected their lifestyle, however, from leaving the house at least two hours earlier, to a perceived culture of what has been considered as the negative connotation of “Filipino time” or always being late for a meeting.

Some unscrupulous politicians and other officials have even used blinkers and sirens or “wang-wang” on their vehicles even though these are basically prohibited by law.

Only vehicles authorized to use blinkers and sirens are police and military vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks.

In July 2022, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated this warning and started apprehending motorists that illegally use blinkers and sirens.

The MMDA also prohibited its officials and employees from using sirens and blinkers, unless attached to marked MMDA vehicles and used in the actual performance of the duties and functions of the agency. “Violators among our ranks will face administrative charges,” the agency warned.

This prohibition is stipulated in the Presidential Decree No. 96 entitled, “Declaring Unlawful the use of attachment of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and other signaling or flashing devices on motor vehicles and providing certain exceptions therefor.”

What you need to know about PD 96? 

Presidential Decree No. 96 was published on January 13, 1973 by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declaring the unlawful use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds. Its primary objective is to regulate the use of unauthorized use of such devices and its corresponding penalties.

Applicability

This decree applies to all individuals and private vehicles. It is designed to regulate the behavior of any person on the road, aimed at improving the effectiveness of emergency responses. 

Exemption

PD 96 exempts authorized emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, fire trucks and other emergency situations. The use of such alarming devices for non-emergency purposes is considered unlawful. 

According to the decree, the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Supreme Court Chief Justice are the only ones who are allowed to use sirens, blinkers, and other similar gadgets. 

Penalties

If proven to have violated the decree, violators will be subject to: 

• Immediate confiscation of device
• Suspension of driver’s license
• For second and subsequent offenses, the violator will be imprisoned for six months, or pay a fine of Php 600 and above
• Cancellation or revocation of motor vehicle registration 

Moreover, according to Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 issued on June 2, 2014, using “wang-wang”, blinkers, or any unauthorized accessories or equipment is against the rules. Violators will face a fine of P5,000, confiscation of the device, and a demerit point on their driver's license.

Resolving the decades-long traffic woes of Filipino motorists and commuters is one of the important agenda of the Marcos’ administration.

The government believes that if traffic is well-managed, vehicles can travel more smoothly, leading to fewer delays, less time wasted, and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. Additionally, there are fewer costs to health from pollution and accidents. (JVD/PIA-NCR)