Traffic board orders stronger crackdown against “bora-bora”

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Traffic Management Coordination Committee (TMC) has directed the Cebu City Transportation Office’s Traffic Enforcement and Operations Division (CCTO TEOD) to intensify crackdown against motorcycles fitted with illegally modified mufflers, locally termed “bora bora.”

The move comes after the Office of the Mayor received mounting complaints from residents about excessive noise disrupting communities across the city.

The Cebu City Traffic Code of 1972 requires all vehicles to be equipped with mufflers in constant operation to prevent the escape of excessive noise, fumes, or smoke while existing ordinances already prohibit vehicles emitting “excessive or unusual noise.”

Altered exhaust systems, dummy mufflers, cut outs, and devices that amplify factory standard noise are explicitly banned.

Violators face fines ranging from P3,000 to P5,000, imprisonment of six months to one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

An administrative option allows violators to pay P1,000 or render four hours of community service, but this can only be availed once.

The Anti Muffler Modification Ordinance of 2013 further strengthened the city’s stance by penalizing vehicles producing sound levels above 84 decibels or causing loud, unreasonable noise audible from nearby properties.

Penalties escalate from P500 for the first offense to P5,000 or imprisonment for repeat violations.

National rules under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014 001 also classify unauthorized muffler modifications as illegal, subject to fines and impoundment.

Resolution No. 007 011 2025, passed unanimously by the TMC on October 3, 2025, provides the legal backdrop for the current campaign.

It specifically directs the CCTO TEOD to enforce City Ordinance 801, City Ordinance 2411, and JAO 2014 001 beginning October 15, 2025, with weekly accomplishment reports submitted to the TMC Board.

The resolution also requests the Land Transportation Office Region VII (LTO 7) to provide training and seminars for LTO deputized CCTO enforcers to ensure proper apprehension of violators.

Mayor Nestor Archival expressed optimism that increased visibility of CCTO personnel, coupled with LTO support, would minimize the proliferation of unauthorized mufflers.

The crackdown in Cebu City mirrors broader enforcement across Central Visayas.

LTO 7 and the Highway Patrol Group have impounded hundreds of motorcycles in recent months for illegal muffler modifications, underscoring a regional push to curb noise pollution and restore order in communities. — (FREEMAN)