BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The city government displayed its firm stance to reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of life of Ilonggos by crushing yesterday 157 illegally modified mufflers using a road roller-compactor at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Mayor Jerry Treñas led the crushing of the loud mufflers confiscated from motorcycles during a series of checkpoints by the Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit and the Iloilo City Police Office.
He said the city government is implementing stringent measures to curb loud mufflers on motorcycles to promote a more peaceful and comfortable environment for the residents.
“This endeavor marks yet another significant moment in our ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law, ensure public safety, and promote a harmonious living environment for all our city residents and visitors,” said Treñas.
Uldarico Garbanzos, head of the city’s Traffic Management Unit, and officials from the Iloilo City Police Office accompanied several city officials during the ceremonial destruction of the mufflers.
Garbanzo vowed to intensify the city government’s campaign against modified mufflers. The city government will buy additional decibel meter readers to be used by the traffic auxiliary and the police during the checkpoints.
In his speech, Treñas said the confiscated mufflers symbolized the non-compliance of some motorists with the local traffic regulations.
“These confiscated illegally modified mufflers that we are going to destroy had caused noise pollution that disrupts the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods, especially at night,” the mayor said.
He commended the Traffic Management and Public Safety enforcers for doing their job well.
“The destruction of these illegally modified mufflers is a symbolic act that represents our commitment to upholding the law, promoting responsible citizenship, and fostering a culture of respect and consideration for others,” said Treñas.
“What we are now, orderly, progressive, and thriving greatly, it’s because we have ordinances that we are strictly implementing. A city without rules will get nowhere,” Treñas added.
As the city’s chief executive, he noted that he has to prioritize the residents’ well-being and quality of life considering that the metropolis is vying to become the country’s Most Liveable, Sustainable, and Resilient City.
“By taking decisive action against illegal modified mufflers, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate behavior that compromises the safety and comfort of our citizens,” the mayor said.
He urged motorists to cooperate with the city’s traffic regulations and encouraged them to support him in his declaration of war on noisy modified mufflers.
“Together, let us work to maintain the integrity of our roads, protect our communities from unnecessary noise pollution, and uphold the values of responsibility and accountability that define us as a city,” Treñas stressed.
Enacted on May 24, 2023, Ordinance 2017-087 prohibits the sale, installation, and use of modified mufflers that “create excessive and irritating sound beyond 99 decibels, taken at an engine speed of 2, 000 to 2,500 rpm.”
The only exception is motor vehicles intended for use in sports competitions and motor shows, and motorcycles with displacement of 400cc and above.
Sellers and installers of modified mufflers will face revocation of their business permits upon recommendation by the City Legal Office.
Personnel from the Business and Permit Division have been monitoring the operations of shops selling or installing modified mufflers.
Modified mufflers violators will be fined P1, 000 for the first offense; P2, 000 for the second offense; and P5000 for the third offense and removal of the modified mufflers.
Apart from fines, the violators’ driver’s licenses will also be confiscated and could face imprisonment from three months and one day to six months, depending on the court’s ruling.
Violators who refuse to stop when flagged will be fined an additional P1,000 for the first offense and second offense. The same penalty will be imposed against those who “stopped but deliberately and arrogantly refused to cooperate” with law enforcers.
Violators are given 72 hours to pay the penalty with the City Treasurer’s Office. The City Legal Office will discuss the ordinance along with the Public Safety Traffic and Management Office (PSTMO).
Violators are required to attend such orientation before the release of their driver’s license. Copies of the violators’ driver’s licenses will also be forwarded to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region-6 for their “guidance and reference.”
“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 the motor vehicles are added to the mix,” the ordinance read./PN
