The local government of Mangaldan, Pangasinan is tightening its crackdown on noisy motorcycle mufflers as it moves to amend an ordinance aimed at reducing noise pollution and improving public comfort, officials said.

The municipal government held a meeting with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP), tricycle operators, and barangay officials to strengthen the enforcement of the ordinance against loud exhaust pipes.

Under the proposed amendments, fines will increase from 100 pesos for a first offense to 500 pesos. Second-time violators will face a 1,000-peso fine, while third offenses will carry a 2,500-peso penalty. Authorities will also dismantle and impound motorcycles found using illegal exhaust pipes.

Mangaldan Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) chief Gerard Ydia said enforcement will be done with proper equipment and coordination among agencies.

“Kasama din natin ang LTO, HPG, para magkaroon ng katotohanan kung ano talaga ’yung gagamitin na decibel meters,” Ydia said.

Some residents welcomed the stricter measures, citing disturbances caused by loud motorcycles, especially late at night.

“Hindi talaga, dahil nakaka-perwisyo sa mga tao. Kaya nga sa amin may mga maiingay na dumadaan ng 2 a.m.,” Isagani de Guzman, a resident, said.

POSO said it has requested additional decibel meters to support enforcement operations. Barangay officials will also assist in implementing the ordinance.

Authorities also appealed to motorcycle shops in the town to stop selling open pipes and other improvised mufflers.

“Bibigyan sila ng imbitasyon at susulatan ’yung mga gumagawa ng open pipe. At ’yun nga, ’yung mga iba naman, hindi na talaga sila gumagawa,” Ydia said.

The local government expects to hold the final public hearing on the amended ordinance later this month before its full implementation.