PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has prohibited government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices.
In his Administrative Order (AO) No. 18, Marcos said 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 environments.
“All government officials and personnel are hereby prohibited from utilizing sirens, blinkers and other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sound, including dome lights, blinkers, or other similar signaling or flashing devices,” Marcos said in his order.
Exempted from the prohibition are vehicles of 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.
Marcos warned that unauthorized and improper use of signaling or flashing devices will be dealt with following applicable laws, rules and regulations.
“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,” he said.
The Department of Transportation, along with other government agencies, are directed to review, regulate and evaluate and update existing policies and guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of AO 18.
