DAVAO CITY — Riders’ groups, youth organizations, and community stakeholders backed the proposed ordinance regulating modified vehicle mufflers in this city during a public hearing conducted by the City Council on Monday afternoon, Feb. 23, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Councilor Luna Acosta, chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, said the proposed ordinance –Muffler Regulation Ordinance of Davao City – aims to strengthen and update the city’s rules on the use and installation of illegally modified mufflers, citing persistent concerns over noise pollution, environmental impact, public safety, and community peace.

Former One Rider party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita, founder of the Road Safety Advocates of the Philippines, said stakeholders were satisfied with the draft ordinance, noting that the committee had already incorporated their recommendations.

“This is good news for everyone. The draft ordinance is already perfect. We no longer submitted a position paper because everything we raised was discussed and addressed during the hearings, and we are very satisfied,” Bosita said.

Francerome Beltran, director for legal affairs and services of the Davao City Youth for Green Environment, also welcomed the measure and thanked the City Council and city government for ensuring youth participation in the policy-making process.

“We recognize the evolving landscape of automotive technology and aftermarket enhancements. We do not object to innovation, as long as it operates strictly within the bounds of the law and does not pose an environmental hazard,” Beltran said.

Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 24, Acosta said the proposed Muffler Regulation Ordinance seeks to update provisions of City Ordinance No. 0334-12 or the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City enacted in 2012.

Under the repealing clause of the draft ordinance, any ordinances, local issuances, or rules that conflict with its provisions will be repealed or amended. It also specifically repeals the provision on modified mufflers under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.

The councilor said the previous ordinance used to apprehend violations involving modified mufflers is Section 128 of the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City, as well as Section 182, which refers to the modification of motorcycles.

“Under the new muffler regulation ordinance, the relevant provisions of the traffic code will be repealed and replaced with new provisions,” Acosta explained, adding that there will be a proper procedure upon the inspection of the vehicles before apprehension.

The Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code has been in effect since the administrations of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, when they served as city mayor, continued to be enforced under Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte.

Acosta said the city government deemed it necessary to review and amend the existing ordinance after 14 years to reflect changes in national laws, enforcement standards, and current conditions.

“We want to listen to the riders without sacrificing the peace and order of the city,” Acosta said.

The councilor recalled that the proposed ordinance underwent first reading on Aug. 5, 2025, and was referred to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) for technical recommendations. The committee subsequently held five hearings before the public consultation.

Acosta said proposed ordinance clarifies the definitions of “modified muffler” and “aftermarket muffler,” strengthens enforcement procedures, and aligns local regulations with Land Transportation Office (LTO) standards to ensure consistency with national policies.

The draft ordinance is expected to be finalized before the end of March, with full implementation targeted in August.

In the meantime, apprehensions for violations of clearly prohibited conduct in line with the city’s Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code will continue, Acosta said.

Councilor Jopet Baluran, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, said the city continues to receive numerous complaints about excessively loud vehicle noise from modified mufflers.

He said loud engine noise disrupts sleep, affects students’ learning, and disturbs workers, particularly those on night shifts.

“Noise pollution is not just a nuisance. It affects public health, safety, and the peaceful enjoyment of homes and public spaces,” Baluran said.

The councilor stressed that the City Council has a duty to address constituents’ concerns while ensuring due process and meaningful stakeholder participation, noting that the public hearing allowed all sectors to present their views and recommendations.

According to city officials, the Muffler Regulation Ordinance of Davao City will apply to all public or private motor vehicles operating within the city.

Covered vehicles are motorcycles and scooters, tricycles, passenger cars, public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, taxis, UV Express units, and buses, as well as light and heavy trucks.

Under the proposal, aftermarket mufflers will be allowed only if they comply with existing LTO standards and free from illegal modifications.

Illegal modifications include removing components of the muffler or exhaust system, installing sound boosters or enhancers, removing silencers, or using so-called “kalakal,” “bora-bora,” open-pipe, or drag-pipe setups designed to produce excessive noise beyond manufacturer specifications.

Prohibited acts include operating a vehicle without a muffler, with a cut or disconnected muffler, or with an illegally modified exhaust system. Repair shops and business establishments will be prohibited from selling or installing illegal muffler modifications.

Designated enforcement personnel may stop, inspect, and apprehend vehicles suspected of violations through visual inspection and, if necessary, further examination of the exhaust system.

Motorists contesting an apprehension will be issued a Traffic Citation Ticket marked “PROTESTED” and must bring the vehicle to a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) within three calendar days at their own expense. Altering or replacing the muffler during the protest period may constitute fraud.

If cleared, the driver must submit the PMVIC inspection result to the CTTMO within five calendar days from apprehension.

Proposed penalties include a P2,500 fine for motorcycles and P5,000 for other vehicles, plus confiscation of the muffler and impounding of the vehicle until a legal muffler is installed at the owner’s expense. Businesses found in violation may be fined P5,000 and risk having their permits revoked.

The draft ordinance will authorize the CTTMO to permanently retain confiscated mufflers and, in coordination with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and other agencies, ensure their proper disposal or recycling, provided they cannot be reused in violation of the law.

Any vehicle impounded under this ordinance shall not be released until fines and penalties are paid and a muffler conforming to the LTO standards is appropriately installed and certified by the CTTMO.

Acosta said the draft ordinance may still undergo revisions based on comments and recommendations raised during the public consultation. She assured stakeholders that all inputs will be carefully reviewed before final approval.