Marcos bans gov't officials from using sirens, blinkers

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has prohibited government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling devices which he said are causing traffic disruptions.

''It has been observed that the unauthorized and indiscriminate use of sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices has been rampant, causing traffic disruptions and unsafe road and traffic environment,'' Marcos said through Administrative Order No. 18.

The President stressed that the unauthorized 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.

Meanwhile, exempted from the said order are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles.

“In this light, all government officials and personnel are hereby reminded that use of sirens, dome lights, blinkers and other similar devices shall only be under exigent or emergency circumstances or situations or to ensure the expedient and safe passage of emergency responders,” Marcos said. 

'Wang-wang' mentality

At least four senators lauded Marcos' latest order, pointing out that government officials should lead by example in following traffic rules.

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said government officials should not add to the burden of ordinary Filipinos who are enduring traffic jams across the country.

"Let’s reject the wang-wang (sirens) mentality! As public officials, it is our responsibility to set an example to our constituents especially when it comes to dealing with traffic," he said

He likewise backed limiting the sale of sirens, blinkers, dome lights, and other similar emergency vehicle devices for the official use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and hospital ambulances.

In welcoming the president's order, Senator JV Ejercito flagged government officials' "entitlement" and said the use of sirens, blinkers, and PNP Highway Patrol Group escorts in a convoy "has become a trend" among them.

"Nagbibisikleta nga ako going to work! Ako madalas nga nagitgit nga mga convoy," he shared in a Viber message to reporters.

Senator Grace Poe echoed Ejercito's sentiment. 

"Pantay-pantay tayo dapat kahit sa kalsada. Ang byahe ng government officials ay kasing importante rin ng byahe ng ordinaryong mamamayan...This simple rule on the wang-wang ban should be enforced fairly and universally on the road," said Poe. 

(We should all be equals on the road. Everyone is going somewhere important, not just government officials.)

With the recent order from the President, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said all government officials must follow it.

"Kung nagmamadali ka, siguruhin mo, para makarating ka, maaga ka dapat umalis sa bahay mo para hindi ka na makagamit ng wang-wang," he said.

(If you are in a hurry, leave your home early so you won't have to use sirens.)

Heavily regulated

On the other hand, Senator Imee Marcos, the President's sister, said that the use of sirens and other signaling devices should not be banned outright but should be "heavily regulated."

"There are valid uses for these types of equipment. The government should be strict in curtailing abuses in the use of these devices and those that abuse these devices should be apprehended and be held liable under our laws," she added.

To recall, ''No wang-wang" policy became the symbol of leadership of late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. He had said the "wang-wang" represented the abuse of power by government officials against Filipino citizens.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte had said he would maintain the policy of Aquino against the indiscriminate use of sirens by several government officials and private citizens. —Anna Felicia Bajo with reports from Hana Bordey/ VAL, GMA Integrated News