The Muntinlupa City government reminded people of the ban on the use of firecrackers, and modified mufflers and pipes that emit excessive noise during the Christmas season.
The city government is ramping up its campaign against these during the Christmas season.
Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 14-092, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in 2014, 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.”
The reminder issued by the Muntinlupa City government (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)
The campaign against firecrackers and open mufflers and pipes by the Muntinlupa Police in December 2023 (Photos from Muntinlupa PIO, Muntinlupa Police)
Those found violating the local law will be fined as follows:
- “For the first offense, a fine of One Thousand Pesos (Pl,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court”
- “For the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”
- “For the third offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”
Under City Ordinance 04-022, or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, the use of open mufflers and pipes, sound boosters and other modifications on motorcycles and other vehicles is prohibited.
Section 9 of the ordinance states that “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.”
Those caught violating the ordinance will be fined P2,000 to P7,500.
During the flag raising ceremony on Dec. 9, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned those violating the open muffler and pipe prohibition. He said the number of violators has increased every year.
Residents, especially in subdivisions, complain about the excessive noise created by motorcycles and other vehicles to welcome the new year.
Biazon said many agree that the noise created by these vehicles has become a nuisance.
“This year, bukod sa pinag-coordinate natin with other law enforcement units natin, we also engaged the help of the barangays,” he said.
He added, “At dito, sa pagkakataong ito kapag nahuli, harapin ang kanilang magiging consequence. Hindi yung magba-violate tapos makikiusap. Magba-violate tapos magmamakaawa. Pasensyahan na lang. We want to instill discipline.”
The city government also reminded the public that motorcades or parades without permits or authority from the Office of the Mayor through the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) are not allowed.