The Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police wants to regulate the sale of emergency vehicle sirens and blinkers—known in the vernacular as “wang-wang”—which have, over the years, become symbols of the abuse of power.
HPG Director Brig. Gen. Francisco Marbil said at present, the law only prohibits the installation of sirens and blinkers on unauthorized vehicles, but not the sale of these devices.
“I hope it will be part of the legislative agenda for this incoming Congress. We really need to regulate [not just the use but also the sale] of blinkers and sirens [so that] enforcement agencies can control these,” he said in a radio interview.
“It’s not that there is a weakness in our enforcement. It is the law that has a problem,” he added.
Under Presidential Decree No. 96, motorists are prohibited from using emergency devices, including blinkers and dome lights.
These emergency devices are allowed only on ambulances, fire trucks, and for personnel of the PNP, military, National Bureau of Investigation, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board during emergency situations.
Also allowed to use are the country’s top five officials including the President, Vice-President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice.
Marbil said violators will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 and may have their driver’s license confiscated.
