FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

941

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It used to be that part of a Filipino’ s driving experience included being
cut off by private vehicles belonging to supposed VIP's using sirens or wang-
wangs. These VIP’s abuse their power and privilege by driving like they own
the roads and violating all sorts of traffic rules.

The chaotic conditions from which our people have suffered and still
continue to suffer are the direct result of indiscriminate and unregulated use of
sirens, bells, horns, whistles and similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud
or startling sounds, including domelights and other similar signaling or flashing
devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways;

It has also been observed that such unregulated use of sirens, bells,
hors, whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling
sounds, including domelights and similar signaling or flashing devices actually
impede and confuse traffic, are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline and
control on the highways, and in effect constitute a major problem in the
maintenance of peace and order.

In his inaugural speech, President Noynoy Aquino denounced the use
of sirens (wang-wang), and he set an example by directing his Presidential
Security Group not to use the sirens of his presidential convoy.

A day after, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus
Verzosa met with chiefs of concemed PNP units and ordered intensified
operations against unauthorized use of sirens and blinkers. Verzosa also


directed all PNP units to “revitalize their operations” against mulcting
policemen.

In order to further strengthen the orders of the President and the PNP
Director General, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought

RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE =).
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

941

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

AN ACT
DECLARING UNLAWFUL THE USE OR ATTACHMENTS OF SIRENS,
BELLS, OR ANY SIMILAR GADGETS, PROVIDNG EXCEPTIONS
THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It shall be unlawful for the owner or possessor of any motor
vehicle to use or attach to his vehicle any siren, bell, horn, whistle, or other
similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including
domelights, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices.

SEC. 2. The gadgets or devices mentioned above may be attached to and
used only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces
of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation
Office, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.

SEC. 3. The official vehicles of the President, Vice-President, Senate
President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court are hereby exempted from this prohibition.

SEC. 4. It shall also be unlawful to sell and distribute these gadgets or

devices without the proper authority to be issued by the Land Transportation
Office.

SEC. 5. Any device or gadget installed or mounted on any motor vehicle or
otherwise used in violation of this Act shall be subject to immediate
confiscation and, the offender shall be prosecuted for violation of this Act and,
upon conviction thereof, shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for six
months and/or a fine of no less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P400,000.00).

Those persons caught selling and/or distributing said devices or
gadgets without the proper authority shall also be held liable and shall suffer


the penalty of imprisonment for six months and/or a fine of no less than One
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00).

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Director of Land
Transportation Office shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary
to implement this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected by such
declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules and
regulations, executive or administrative orders or parts thereof inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in al least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,