‘Unauthorized use of sirens no longer allowed in city’
The improper use of “wang-wang” or sirens calling for an open street passage of any government or private official in Iloilo City is no longer allowed, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.
In a Philippine News Agency report, Mabilog said such move was inspired by the inaugural speech of President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
In his speech, Aquino stressed that equality will prevail under his administration as he particularly mentioned that authorities should put a stop to improper use of sirens and blinkers.
Mabilog said this showed that even the president of the Philippines is following traffic rules and regulations with no siren fanfare to announce his street passage and arrival.
He said he is going to instruct policemen and the traffic enforcement unit not to allow the use of sirens or “wang-wang” of any vehicle, even if it is carrying a “very important person.”
These vehicles must obey the traffic rules and regulations of the city, he added.
Presidential Decree 96 governs the use of sirens and blinkers. Under this law only the President, Vice President, Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, police, ambulances, and military patrols are allowed to use the sirens and blinkers.
Mabilog said he has created a hotline number direct to the city government provided by Smart, Globe and Sun telecommunications to gather feedback and opinions from the public.
He said this will allow the people to have a share and direct contribution to local governance with feedback from bottom to top.
