BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government, in partnership with the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has stepped up enforcement of the Iloilo City Anti-Muffler Ordinance (City Regulation Ordinance 071).
This ordinance prohibits the use of modified mufflers on motorcycles that generate excessively loud noise, an issue that has become a growing concern for residents.
From June to December 2024, more than 80 illegal mufflers were confiscated during joint operations by the TTMO and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized that these actions are in direct response to the numerous complaints he has received from constituents regarding the disruptive noise caused by modified mufflers.
He underscored that excessive noise not only violates the ordinance but also disrupts the peace and quiet that Ilonggos deserve.
As a highlight of this campaign, Treñas has announced a public destruction ceremony for the confiscated mufflers at the Freedom Grandstand next year.
“This symbolic event will further demonstrate the city’s commitment to maintaining peace and order and deterring violators,” said Treñas.
The mayor commended the dedication of the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their efforts in enforcing the ordinance.
He also expressed his gratitude to the public for their continued support in reporting violators, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial in keeping Iloilo City safe and orderly.
The public destruction ceremony will serve as a visual testament to the city’s determination to uphold peace and curb noise pollution caused by modified mufflers.
The mayor reiterated the city government’s commitment to enforcing the laws to protect public order and ensure a better quality of life for all residents.
Enacted on May 24, 2023, Ordinance 2017-087 prohibits the sale, installation, and use of modified mufflers that produce “excessive and irritating sound beyond 99 decibels, taken at an engine speed of 2,000 to 2,500 rpm.”
The ordinance provides exemptions for motor vehicles used in sports competitions and motor shows, as well as motorcycles with a displacement of 400cc and above.
Sellers and installers of modified mufflers may face revocation of their business permits based on recommendations from the City Legal Office.
The Business and Permit Division will continue monitoring shops involved in selling or installing these mufflers.
Violators will face fines of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and P5,000 for the third offense, in addition to the removal of the modified mufflers.
Their driver’s licenses will be confiscated, and violators may face imprisonment ranging from three months and one day to six months, depending on the court’s ruling.
If violators refuse to stop when flagged, they will incur an additional P1,000 fine for the first and second offenses.
The same penalty applies to those who “deliberately and arrogantly refuse to cooperate” with law enforcers.
The ordinance mandates that violators pay their fines within 72 hours at the City Treasurer’s Office and attend an orientation conducted by the City Legal Office and the Public Safety Traffic and Management Office (PSTMO) before the release of their driver’s licenses.
Copies of the violators’ driver’s licenses will also be forwarded to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region-6 for reference.
In response to growing concerns about noise pollution, Mayor Treñas has initiated a crackdown on modified mufflers, ordering law enforcement units to conduct checkpoints on major streets, apprehend violators, and remove the offending mufflers from their vehicles.
As the ordinance states, “The noise pollution on our streets can already be annoying as it is, and it can even get more disrupting and irritating when loud sounds coming from the mufflers of motor vehicles are added to the mix.”/PN
