MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Administrative Order No. 18, prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices in a bid to promote the welfare and well-being of the general public.

In signing the AO, President Marcos noted 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.

“All government officials and personnel are hereby prohibited from utilizing sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, or other similar signaling or flashing devices,” President Marcos stated in an AO 18.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the AO on March 25, 2024 and will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.

The President said that unauthorized and improper use of signaling or flashing devices by government officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Exempted from the AO are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

“In this light, all government officials and personnel are hereby reminded that use of sirens, dome lights, blinkers and other similar devices shall only be under exigent or emergency circumstances or situations or to ensure the expedient and safe passage of emergency responders,” he said.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with other government agencies, is directed to review, regulate and evaluate and update existing policies and guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of the AO 18, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. (PND)