MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a decisive step by prohibiting government officials and personnel from utilizing sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling or flashing devices.
In his Administrative Order (AO) No. 18, Marcos highlighted the rampant unauthorized and indiscriminate use of such devices, which have led to traffic disruptions and compromised road safety.
The order specifically bans the use of gadgets producing exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and blinkers.
However, exemptions have been made for vehicles of essential services such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles. Marcos cautioned that any unauthorized or improper use of signaling or flashing devices would face legal consequences in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Furthermore, Marcos directed the Department of Transportation and other relevant government agencies to review, regulate, and update existing policies to ensure the effective implementation of AO 18. This underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining order and safety on the roads while ensuring the smooth passage of emergency responders.
In a parallel move, Marcos also addressed the proliferation and unauthorized use of protocol license plates by government officials. Executive Order (EO) 56, which amends EO No. 400 (s. 2005), now limits the number of officials entitled to use protocol license plates to 14, down from the previous 16. This measure aims to streamline the issuance process and curb misuse.
The revised list includes top-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, among others. The EO specifies that the assignment of protocol license plates is subject to recommendations from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and approval from the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Furthermore, the EO prohibits the transfer of protocol license plates to unauthorized individuals or vehicles, emphasizing strict adherence to regulations. The DOTr is mandated to maintain a registry of issued protocol license plates and develop guidelines in collaboration with the LTO to prevent any expansion of the list of authorized users.
Both AO 18 and EO 56, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, will come into effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to promoting accountability, safety, and efficiency in public service.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
