MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed an administrative order prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens or known locally as "wang-wang", blinkers, and other similar flashing devices on their service vehicles.

The order, shared on Thursday, April 11 by the Official Gazette, aims to promote a more organized and safe road environment for all motorists.

"It has been observed that the unauthorized and indiscriminate use of sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices has been rampant, causing traffic disruptions and unsafe road and traffic environment," the order said.

The President emphasized the core principle of public service, citing the Constitution's mandate for officials to be accountable and serve the people with integrity.

The order references existing laws promoting ethical conduct by government employees; and a 1973 decree, issued by his father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., that already restricted the use of sirens and flashing lights to specific authorized vehicles.

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Exemptions are provided for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), fire trucks, and hospital ambulances.

Even for these designated vehicles, however, the order clarifies that sirens and flashing lights can only be used "in clearly appropriate circumstances" and during emergencies.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is tasked with reviewing and updating existing policies to ensure effective implementation of the order.

The directive takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

This move by the Marcos administration signals a commitment to addressing traffic congestion and promoting a more equitable use of public roads. (PIA-NCR)