LTO to strictly enforce Marcos Jr. order vs sirens, blinkers

MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II yesterday vowed to strictly implement Administrative Order 18 issued by President Marcos prohibiting the use of sirens and blinkers.

Mendoza instructed all LTO regional directors to coordinate with the offices of government agencies in their areas for the mandatory removal of unauthorized devices attached to motor vehicles.

He said the coordination would pave the way for the accounting of government-owned as well as motor vehicles owned by government employees and officials that have sirens and blinkers but are not included in the list of those allowed to use them under the AO.

“I appeal to our fellow government workers to voluntarily remove these gadgets in compliance with the directive of President Marcos,” Mendoza said.

Under Section 1 of the AO, all government officials and personnel are prohibited from using sirens, blinkers and other similar devices that produce loud sound.

“Unauthorized use of signaling or flashing devices by government officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with the laws and regulations,” the AO read.

Under Section 2, sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets should not be used unless in appropriate circumstances, and only by motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

Mendoza said the LTO is coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the review and updating of existing policies and guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of the AO.

The LTO is also coordinating with the PNP to apprehend motorists using blinkers and sirens.