Baguio: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has committed to maintaining its efforts against motorists using loud mufflers, aiming to reduce noise pollution in the area. BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel, in a recent phone interview, emphasized the office's dedication to promoting responsible road use and ensuring a safer environment for both residents and visitors.
According to Philippines News Agency, the use of loud mufflers is prohibited under Land Transportation Office Memorandum Circular (LTO MC) 2020-2240, which outlines guidelines for apprehending motor vehicles with excessively loud mufflers and unauthorized modified exhaust systems. BCPO records from June 12 to 14 show that 124 violators were apprehended, with 44 cited for loud mufflers and 80 for unauthorized modifications. The LTO's memorandum circular imposes a PHP5,000 fine on violators.
The BCPO has strategically placed numerous tarpaulins along city roadsides to inform the public about the prohibition. Col. Tagel mentioned the implementation of Oplan DRIVE (Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance, and Education), an awareness campaign conducted prior to enforcement operations. Additionally, the police have used social media to issue advisories reminding motorists of existing regulations and penalties for non-compliance.
Maj. Marcy Grace Marron, BCPO information officer, highlighted the consultations conducted with the LTO, motorcycle shop owners, and motorcycle rider groups to foster cooperation, clarify regulations, and encourage voluntary compliance with vehicle standards. In line with the memorandum circular, the city council has approved, on first reading, a proposed ordinance to repeal Ordinance 487-1968 and introduce the Baguio City Muffler and Vehicular Noise Compliance Ordinance of 2026. This aims to strengthen regulation against vehicular noise, align local policies with Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and implement updated penalties and enforcement measures for violators. Ordinance 487-1968, enacted 58 years ago, currently imposes a warning for the first offense, a PHP50 fine for the second offense, and a PHP100 fine for the third offense.
