The Valenzuela City government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) destroyed 287 confiscated open-pipe mufflers on Monday, May 11, as part of efforts to curb noise pollution and strengthen public order.
According to the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), the mufflers were confiscated from January to May for allegedly exceeding the city’s 100-decibel noise limit.
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla led the destruction activity during a flag ceremony.
Gatchalian said the city intensified operations against loud motorcycles following complaints from residents and homeowners’ associations.
“Kung tayo ay naiinis sa kapitbahay na 12 midnight, 1 o’clock ng madaling araw ay kumakanta ng My Way sa karaoke, ganoon din po ang inis na nararamdaman ng mga residente dito sa mga maingay na motorsiklo (If we get annoyed with neighbors singing “My Way” on karaoke at 12 midnight or 1 a.m., residents also feel the same frustration toward noisy motorcycles),” the mayor said.
The city government said violators may face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and may also be required to render community service.
It added that the city is studying the establishment of a free testing station where motorcycle riders can check whether their mufflers exceed the allowed noise limit.
Remulla said other local government units may implement similar anti-open muffler measures in coordination with the police and barangays.
“There is nothing that a determined local government, combined with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the barangay system, cannot do if they put their minds to it,” he said.
He also defended the continued enforcement of ordinances prohibiting shirtlessness in public areas, saying the policy helps maintain basic civility and public safety.
“Pero, isipin mo ang buhay ng mga Pilipino lalo na ang kababaihan na makakaharap nila yung mga taong nag-iinuman, walang t-shirt. Nakakatakot iyon (Think about the lives of Filipinos, especially women, who may encounter people drinking in public without shirts on. That can be frightening),” Remulla said.
The secretary also clarified that exemptions remain for construction workers, athletes, and others whose work or activities require flexibility under extreme weather conditions.
“Pag nagtatrabaho, pwede. Pero kung patambay-tambay ka lang o naglalakad ka lang sa lansangan, there should be a little price for civility (If you are working, it is allowed. But if you are simply loitering or walking around shirtless in public, there should be a little price for civility),” he said.
The local government said the campaign is part of the city’s Safer Cities Initiative aimed at improving peace, order, and community safety.