THE STREETS of Iloilo City have long been bombarded by the jarring and excessive noise of illegally modified vehicle mufflers, which not only disrupt the peace but also endanger public health. A public nuisance, really. In an unequivocal response, the city government has launched a crackdown on these auditory offenders. We hope this will be a sustained, rigorous, zero-tolerance policy against noise pollution.
Ordinance 2017-087 is the city government’s legal armor in this battle, outlawing the sale, installation, and usage of mufflers that emit noise above 99 decibels at certain engine speeds. Violators face severe consequences including escalating fines, license confiscation, and even the possibility of imprisonment for repeat offenders. This local law, however, smartly carves out exceptions for vehicles used in sports and shows, proving that the city respects the car culture but draws a hard line when it comes to public disturbance.
It must be pointed out that the city’s enforcement tactics are not just punitive but are designed to educate and reform, too. Offenders are required to undergo an orientation about the ordinance. Indeed, this crackdown is as much about building awareness as it is about enforcement.
This campaign should be seen for what it truly is — a necessary, firm stand for the collective good. It’s about reclaiming the city’s public spaces from the clutches of noise polluters who have long acted with impunity. Those who argue that this infringes on personal freedoms must remember that the freedom to modify one’s vehicle does not extend to disturbing public peace and harming others’ health.
Continuous monitoring and the promise of regular inspections guarantee that this initiative is more than a mere crackdown. It would be a big disappointment if this campaign becomes a victim of bureaucratic ningas cogon. The clampdown must be sustained if the city government were to enhance the livability of Iloilo City.
Other cities facing similar issues can look to Iloilo as an example of how firm policy and determined enforcement can harmoniously restore tranquility to urban life. The message is clear: in the fight against noise pollution, there is no room for compromise. The well-being of citizens must be prioritized over the reckless whims of a few.
