The Dagupan city government has approved an ordinance banning the sale and use of noisy mufflers in all types of vehicles, including public utility vehicles, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.

Under the amended ordinance, motorists caught using noisy mufflers will be fined. The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) is tasked with implementing the measure.

POSO Chief Arvin Decano said they used to enforce the rule in the past but faced limits.

“Dati meron, nanghuhuli na kami niyan… kasi dati kami lang na POSO ngayon dito lang sa city ano lang kami. Pagdating sa barangay, siyempre wala nang POSO, hindi na nahuhuli mostly ngayon sa barangay na nangyayari,” he said.

Tonying Paras, a resident, welcomes the ordinance as a positive development.

“Pag malapit ka sa kalsada, maingay. Naiistorbo kasi yung mga natutulog lalo na kung madaling araw,” Paras said.

But some riders, like Jonathan, see it differently.

“Kagaya namin mga riders kami, nasa kalsada kami, eh. Kung may bata sa highway na hindi narinig yung motor, eh, mas maganda na rin yung medyo maingay. Hindi naman yung masyadong maingay, para marinig ng mga bata na may paparating na motor,” he said.

Business owners are also affected.

“Naaapektuhan din kami syempre dahil may mga benta pa kaming mga loud pipe. Pero, at the same time, tulong na rin po ito sa lungsod na sumunod tayo sa pinatupad nilang batas,” Prince Gutierrez, a moto shop owner, said.

Authorities said many noisy pipes had been confiscated from 2022 to 2023, with most users being young motorcycle riders. They assured strict monitoring to catch violators.