Senate bill vs. unauthorized use of wang-wang, blinkers filed

Seeking to protect the lives of commuters and drivers while preventing misuse by public officials on Philippine roads, a proposed measure has been filed before the Senate prohibiting the indiscriminate use of emergency lights and audio accessories on motor vehicles.

Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday filed Senate Bill 2635, or the proposed Anti-Wang Wang Act, after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. prohibited government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling devices to avoid traffic disruptions.

In the bill's explanatory note, Villanueva asserted that, "The indiscriminate use of beacons, sirens, and other emergency vehicle lights and audio accessories by motor vehicle drivers and/or owners, particularly politicians, poses a significant road safety concern in the Philippines."

"This misuse not only creates hazards on the roads but also erodes public trust in the responsible operation of motor vehicles, especially when such misuse is committed by public officials to gain undue advantage or assert unwarranted authority over other road users," the senator added.

Under the proposed measure, only authorized persons shall be allowed to "use an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory" while operating a motor vehicle, or to attach the same to or within the vehicle.

This prohibition also applies to the owner of the private motor vehicle, or a government official or personnel whom the vehicle has been assigned for use, or permits the use for the accessories.

Section 5, meanwhile, prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, and promotion of emergency lights and audio accessories, except to volunteer firefighter organizations, private healthcare facilities, or organizations that will operate private ambulances.

Erring motorists face fines of up to P5,000 and suspension of their driver's licenses for a year.

Manufacturers and distributors of emergency vehicle light and audio systems who violate the proposed regulations may be slapped with fines of P50,000 to P100,000 per motor vehicle equipped with the accessories.

"The proposed legislation aligns with the Constitutional principle that protecting life and property and promoting the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all people of the blessings of democracy," Villanueva said.

Earlier, Villanueva was among at least four senators who lauded the President's Administrative Order 18, which provided that the unauthorized use and improper use of signaling or flashing devices by government officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. — VDV, GMA Integrated News