The Muntinlupa police and the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) apprehended motorcycles using open pipes and mufflers in compliance with an existing ordinance.
According to the Muntinlupa City government, the use of open mufflers or pipes, sound boosters or any modifications in motorcycles or other vehicles that emit noise is banned based on Ordinance 04-022 or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code.
Personnel from the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) implementing operations against the use of open pipes and mufflers (Photo from MTMB chief Danidon Nolasco)
Muntinlupa police chief Col. Angel Garcillano provided data showing that as of Dec. 26, a total of 29 persons were apprehended in seven operations for violation of the ordinance against the use of open pipes and mufflers, which emit loud noise.
Of the 29, eight were apprehended in Barangay Cupang, six in Putatan, five each in Tunasan and Sucat, three in Alabang, and one each in Ayala Alabang and Poblacion. The 29 were given fines.
Section 9 of the traffic code prohibits the use of gadgets on vehicles that “emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds.”
“No private person shall use or cause to be used 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,” according to the section of the ordinance.
Section 85 of the ordinance also states that “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.”
Violators can face fines from P2,500 to P7,500.
There is also a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in Muntinlupa based on an ordinance.
The Muntinlupa City government has heightened the campaign against open pipes and mufflers, and firecrackers this Christmas season.