Aquino statement to bolster LTO campaign vs 'wang-wang'

Presidential Decree 96 was issued 37 years ago to limit the use of sirens — colloquially called "wang-wang" — on the roads. However, high-ranking politicians intimidate law enforcers who prevent the unauthorized use of the devices. On Thursday, outgoing Land Transportation Office head Alberto Suansing said President Benigno Aquino III's statement's about the abuse of the devices may hopefully give teeth to the enforcement of the law. "Mabuti naman at inanunsyo ang bagay na iyan. Ang mga enforcers natin, di na maa-andap (It's a good thing he announced that matter. Our law enforcers would no longer be intimidated)," Suansing said in an interview on GMA News' Unang Hirit. He added the public could send a text message to 09189447951 to report violators. PD 96, issued in 1973 by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, regulates the use of sirens, bells, whistles, horns and other similar devices. "The gadgets or devices mentioned above may be attached to and use only on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances," a portion of the law said. For government officials, only the following are entitled to use vehicles with these devices: President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Supreme Court Chief Justice.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV According to Suansing, violation of the decree merits a penalty of P15,000 and confiscation of the devices. Suansing added he himself had "gotten into trouble" because of his agency's crackdown on vehicles using the "wang-wangs." While he did not name anyone, the Land Transportation Office chief alluded to wealthy businessmen and powerful politicians as violators of the law who intimidate law enforcers. Suansing likewise reminded the public that senators and congressmen are unauthorized to use sirens. — Sophia Dedace/RSJ, GMANews.TV