The Muntinlupa City government will strengthen its campaign to implement local laws banning the use of firecrackers and aftermarket or modified mufflers that emit loud noise, including the arrest of violators.
City Ordinance 14-092 prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”
Violators face fines from P1,000 to P5,000 and business establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of their permit and license to operate. Mall owners or similar establishments may organize fireworks displays in designated areas after securing a permit from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to the city government, the firecracker ban resulted in zero firecracker-related injuries in 2018 and 2019.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi advised the public to strictly observe the ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices and open pipe mufflers and other modifications during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He said this initiative is also a measure to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission in social gatherings.
The Department of Health’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development lauded Muntinlupa as a model local government unit (LGU) in implementing a ban on firecrackers and fireworks in the National Capital Region.
Fresnedi ordered the Peace and Order Council, in coordination with the Muntinlupa City Police, to install checkpoints and conduct inspections and clearing operations on thoroughfares and marketplaces to apprehend violators.
Ban on aftermarket mufflers
The Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) warned motorists that they will be apprehended for using aftermarket mufflers, or removal of such, which emit excessive loud noise and cause disturbances.
Section 85 of the Muntinlupa Traffic Code mandates the use of mufflers to prevent excessive noise.
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street unless such motor vehicle is equipped, at all times, with a muffler or mufflers in constant operation and of sufficient capacity for the motor, and equipped with an exhaust system to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke and unusual noise,” according to the ordinance.
Section 9 of the traffic code also states that “no private person shall use or cause to use sirens, bells, horns. whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and emergency red flashing lights installed in either front or rear, and emergency red light blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices that actually impede and confuse traffic and which are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline and control on the roads.”
Motorcycles with modified mufflers, for instance, have become a common source of complaint for excessive noise especially at night in subdivisions and communities in Muntinlupa. Muntinlupa has an existing curfew from midnight to 3 a.m. that prohibits people from going out of their residence during the period. Not covered by the ordinance are authorized persons outside their residence (APOR) and other exempt individuals.