Over 200 seized open-pipe mufflers destroyed in Valenzuela

More than 200 confiscated open-pipe mufflers were destroyed by the Valenzuela City government on Monday as part of its campaign against noise pollution.

During a flag ceremony and press conference, Mayor Wes Gatchalian said the city has intensified operations against loud motorcycles following repeated complaints from residents and homeowners associations.

According to the city government, a total of 287 open-pipe mufflers had been confiscated from January to May.

“Kung tayo ay naiinis sa kapitbahay na 12 midnight, 1 o’clock ng madaling araw ay kumakanta ng My Way sa karaoke, ganoon din po ang inis na nararamdaman ng mga residente dito sa mga maingay na motorsiklo,” Gatchalian said.

(If we are annoyed by neighbors who sing My Way at karaoke at 12 midnight, 1 o'clock in the morning, the residents here are equally annoyed by noisy motorcycles.)

Violators may face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 as well as community service, according to the mayor.

The Valenzuela government said it is considering establishing a free testing station where motorcycle riders may check whether their vehicles exceed the 100-decibel limit to avoid apprehension.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said local governments can implement similar anti-open muffler measures if they coordinate with police and barangays.

“There is nothing that a determined local government combined with the Philippine National Police and the barangay, there is nothing that they cannot do if they put their minds to it,” Remulla said. —AOL, GMA News