LTO 2 intensifies campaign against wangwang

by Thelma C. Bicarme

Tuguegarao City (16 July) — The Land Transportation Office Region 2 (LTO 2) has intensified its campaign to regulate the use of sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that emit loud noises of unauthorized people, who want to pull over other motorists in traffic.

Presidential Decree No. 96 (PD 96) declares as unlawful the use or even 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 to any motor vehicle.

Under PD 96, the gadgets or devices mentioned above may be attached to and use only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.

LTO Spokesman Manuel Baricaua said that this law (PD 96) is no longer new and the LTO has been implementing it even before. “So far there were no violators on the use of wang-wang apprehended,” he added.

Baricaua said that they immediately conducted a massive confiscation of any device or gadget installed or mounted on any motor vehicle upon getting orders from their Central Office.

Baricaua explained that Presidential Decree 96, the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and other gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds including dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways will be confiscated.

For the second and subsequent offenders, they (violators) will be jailed for six months and pay a fine of P600.

In addition, the certificate of registration of the motor vehicle on which the unauthorized gadget or device herein mentioned is installed, mounted or used shall be canceled or revoked.

Meanwhile, Baricaua urged motorists and citizens to report any violations to the LTO. “We also call on the media to help us in this campaign,” he added. (PIA 2)