Tagbilaran SP to pass ordinance increasing fines for noisy motor mufflers from P200 to P3,000

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

TAGBILARAN CITY – Fines and penalty for noisy and irritating defective, modified mufflers of motor vehicles in Tagbilaran City will be increased from the existing P200 to P3,000 and the driver-violator may also be jailed at the discretion of the court once the new ordinance is passed at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

According to councilor Eliezer Borja, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Peace, Public Order and Safety and author of the ordinance that the new fine of P3,000 is 1,40o percent higher than the existing P200 fine.

Tagbilaran City Hall has been barraged by numerous complaints from the public on disturbing noises from motor vehicles with defective or modified mufflers and sound boosters or devices. People said that these noise levels could affect the quality of life of the people and may even lead to permanent hearing loss.

In worst cases for those with serious health problems, loud noise and low frequency can fracture body parts and organs and even be fatal in some instances, it is said hence, the 14th SP led by Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso is bent on increasing the penalties to include imprisonment of the offenders based on the Borja legislation.

According to the proposed ordinance that owners/drivers of motor vehicles having a 200-cubic centimeter and below engine displacement, without any muffler or with defective or modified mufflers, and causing undesirable sound exceeding 85 decibels shall be fined P3,000 or imprisoned for a period of 30 days, or both at the court discretion.

In case the offender admits his guilt, he may be allowed to pay a compromise penalty of P1,000 for the first offense and P2,000 for the second offense, but no compromise penalty for the third and succeeding violations, the measures said.

The motorcycle will be impounded for safekeeping in an area to be designated by the city Philippine National Police (PNP)and City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) in Tagbilaran City.

It will be released only upon payment of the penalty and replacement of its exhaust system according to the prescribed proper muffler which is compliant with the pertinent laws, rules and regulations.  The noisy exhaust pipe can only be replaced within the impounding area, the law read. (Photos: PRIMER & Google files)