BUSINESS establishments in the province dealing with exhaust pipe or muffler alteration, or cutting off silencers of any motorcycles and any public utility vehicle are penalized under Provincial Ordinance No. 2009-009.
The said Ordinance is “prohibiting the modification or alteration of motorcycles and public utility vehicles’ exhaust systems from its original design specially to increase the level and volume of emitted sound causing noise pollution and public disturbance.”
Such modifications or alteration of a motorcycle or public utility vehicle’s exhaust pipe system is hereby prohibited for the following grounds (section 2): to reduce noise pollution and maintain the level of sound volumes and range according to the manufacturer’s design; provide a more peaceful and quieter surroundings for the community, local and visitors; avoid public noise disturbance, causing inconvenience specially night time distraction; prevent undue stress to our existing wilderness and nature reserves; and ensure safety and convenience for all users.
It is clear that Section 5 of said Provincial Ordinance, provides that, “also seeks to penalize not only the users and owners of modified motorcycles, but also those in the business of modification of the systems to produce loud or higher volume exhaust sounds.” It added that “No permit shall be issued to any establishment which provides materials or services for the purpose of modifications an alterations of exhaust system to produce loud sounds and noises.”
Loay town police has recently caused the destruction of seized exhaust pipes or mufflers from motorcycles being apprehended as complaints against the noisy motorcycle’s exhaust pipes are mounting.
Loay Mayor atty. Hilario Ayuban lamented in saying that “Ipalit unta ninyo ug BUGAS o’ kaha ibayad sa TUITION sa eskwelahan kaysa igasto sa IMPROVISED MUFFLER. Sa tinuod lang, alingogngog kaayo ng inyong tambutso. Makatugaw sa halawm nga kagabhiun.” (It’s better for the concerned citizens who modified their mufflers to use the money for buying staple food, if not, for school tuition. Truly, such modified mufflers are noisy that disturb the people).
The penalty of P2,000.00 fine is imposed for “modifying any part of the original design of a motorcycle without approval of the LTO and the DTI” under section 9 of the said Ordinance.
And P2,000.00 is imposed “For dealers and business establishments conducting modifications and alterations of exhaust system to increase its level and volume of exhaust sound.”
P2,000.00 is slapped and non-renewal of registration by LTO against the users and drivers and owners of motorcycles with exhaust system having high level and volume of sound until modifications have been corrected upon inspection.
Section 6 provides that the “LTO and their sub-offices shall be in the frontline in the implementation and execution of the provisions of this Ordinance.” LTO is to be assisted by Bohol PNP, deputized PNP and their (LTO) agents, Traffic Management Group, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the business engaged in modifications and the local government units.
Exemptions are given to motorcycles, whose exhaust system ae modified for racing or sports like the motocross races and trail bike riding, provided that they are not used in any street or road network in the province. “These modified motorcycles may be used only in designated trails or racetracks made for these purposes and duly registered or granted special permit, within the municipality where events are held.” (rvo)
