Anti-wang Wang Act

Sentate Office of the Secreta TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 MAY 25 P5:04 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2166 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT PROHIBITING THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF BEACONS, SIRENS, AND OTHER EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTS AND AUDIO ACCESSORIES FOR MOVING MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The unauthorized and indiscriminate use of sirens (wang-wang), bells, whistles, horns, and other emergency signaling devices by motor vehicles has long been a source of public nuisance, road safety hazards, and an emblem of "entitlement" that undermines the principle of equal protection under the law. While Presidential Decree No. 96, series of 1973 initially prohibited such devices, modern traffic conditions and the proliferation of aftermarket automotive accessories necessitate a more robust and updated legislative framework. This bill seeks to reinforce the rule of law by strictly limiting the use of emergency signaling equipment to authorized government vehicles, such as those belonging to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, and hospital ambulances, and only during actual emergencies. By prohibiting the use of these devices by high-ranking officials and private individuals alike, the measure aims to eliminate the "culture of entitlement" on the road, where certain motorists bypass traffic rules at the expense of public safety and order. 1 1 Department of Transportation (DOTr). (2023). Road safety and traffic management protocols for emergency vehicles.

Road safety data suggests that the misuse of high-intensity beacons and sirens causes confusion among pedestrians and legitimate emergency responders, often leading to secondary accidents and delayed response times for actual life-threatening situations.2 Furthermore, the principle that "public office is a public trust," enshrined in the 1987 Constitution must be upheld by public officials at all times. The use of emergency signals for personal convenience of public officials rather than public necessity does not align with this principle. This Act provides for stringent penalties, including the confiscation of prohibited gadgets and the suspension of driver's licenses, to deter repeat offenders. By institutionalizing these prohibitions, the government reasserts its commitment to traffic discipline and the democratic ideal that no citizen is above the law, regardless of their social or political status. In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this legislation is earnestly sought. JV EJERCITO 2 World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Global status report on road safety: Identifying hazards in urban traffic management. WHO Press.

Senate Difite of the feecretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 26 MAY 25 P5:04 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2166 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT PROHIBITING THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF BEACONS, SIRENS, AND OTHER EMERGENCY VEHICLE LIGHTS AND AUDIO ACCESSORIES FOR MOVING MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Anti-Wang Wang

2 Act"

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - Pursuant to the Constitutional principle

4 that recognizes the protection of life and property and the promotion of the general 5 welfare as essential for the enjoyment of the blessings of democracy, it is hereby 6 declared the policy of the State to ensure the safety of all road users through the 7 observance of the responsible use of motor vehicles. It is also the policy of the State to promote the highest standard of ethics in public service, and to ensure that public officials and personnel foster public trust by living modestly and prioritizing public interest over personal gain, especially in the use of shared spaces such as Philippine roads.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms

shall be defined as follows a) Emergency Vehicle Light refers to lights, other than headlights and taillights as defined under Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code," as amended, that are dedicated to convey

urgency, warnings, or signaling during law enforcement and other authorized activities, including but not limited to rotating lights or beacons or dome lights, fixed flashing lights, strobe lights, and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, oscillating lights, blinkers, and shall also refer to after- marketing modifications such as wig-wag devices that are designed to flash the headlamps alternatingly or hideaway lights; b) Audio Accessory refers to a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle or any other similar device and shall include a horn or signaling device that emits an exceptionally loud, startling, or disagreeable sound, other than the horn or signaling device built in the motor vehicle as defined and allowed under R.A. No. 4136, as amended; and c) Motor Vehicle refers to any land transportation vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using public highways, with the exception of those provided under Republic Act No. 4136.

SEC. 4. Regulating the Use of Emergency Vehicle Lighting and Audio

Accessories in Motor Vehicles. a) It shall be unlawful for any person, including government officials and personnel, to use an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory while driving or operating a motor vehicle, or to attach such lights or audio accessories to or within the motor vehicle, except when authorized under

Sec. 4(c) of this Act and subject to the conditions set forth in Sections 4(d)

and 4(e), as applicable. b) The prohibition under Sec. 4(a) of this Act shall apply to the owner of a private motor vehicle, or a government official or personnel to whom an official vehicle has been assigned for use, who permits the use of an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory while driving or operating a motor vehicle, or permits such lights or audio accessories to be attached to or within the motor vehicle. If any person uses an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory while driving or operating a motor vehicle that is not clearly marked as designated for official use under Sec. 4(c)(1) of this Act or is not used to transport patients or victims, or for emergency purposes or calamity-related activities undier Sec. 4(c)(2), the owner in case of a

private motor vehicle or government official or personnel to whom an official vehicle has been assigned for use, shall be presumed to have permitted the use of such emergency vehicle light or audio accessory. c) A person may, subject to the conditions set forth in Sections 4(d) and 4(e) of this Act, as applicable, lawfully use an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory while driving or operating a motor vehicle that is: (1) Designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Corrections (BuCoR), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and law enforcement agencies, and clearly marked as such, including but not limited to patrol vehicles, armored vehicles, and prisoner's vans; Provided, That vehicles designated for official use by local government officials or personnel shall be subject to issuances by the respective local government units pursuant to Sec. 9 of this Act; or (2) Necessary for the transportation of patients or victims, such as medical ambulances, or for emergency purposes or calamity-related activities, such as fire trucks operated by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) or volunteer firefighter organizations, and clearly marked as such; Provided, That volunteer firefighter organizations must obtain a permit from the BFP prior to using such lights and/or audio accessories; Provided, Further, That private healthcare facilities or organizations that will operate a private ambulance must obtain a similar permit from the Department of Health (DOH) prior to using such lights and/or audio accessories on any of its registered motor vehicles to be used as ambulances or for patient transport. d) A person who is authorized to use an emergency vehicle light while driving or operating a motor vehicle pursuant to Sec. 4(c) of this Act shall not use such light or otherwise put it into operation, unless: (1) The motor vehicle is coming to a stop or halted on a road; (2) It is necessary to do so for the safe operation of the motor vehicle; or

(3) The vehicle presents a hazard to other vehicles on a road. e) A person who is authorized to use an audio accessory while driving or operating a motor vehicle pursuant to Sec. 4(c) of this Act shall not use such audio accessory, except to warn other road users of the driver's intention to stop, abruptly reduce speed, turn, or change lanes.

SEC. 5. Prohibition on the Sale of Emergency Vehicle Lights and Audio

7 Accessories. - a) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, distribute, sell, market, or promote an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory, except to volunteer firefighter organizations and private healthcare facilities or organizations that will operate a private ambulance upon presentation of the applicable BFP or DOH permit. b) All manufacturers, importers, distributors, or sellers of an emergency vehicle light or audio accessory covered under this Act shall maintain records of completed sales permitted under this Section, which shall be open for inspection by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) subject to guidelines to be prescribed for this purpose.

SEC. 6. Implementation. -

a) The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the LTO, shall oversee and ensure the implementation of the provisions of this Act in coordination with the PNP through the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), BFP, DOH, and other concerned agencies. LTO enforcement officers and duly designated enforcement officers from other law enforcement agencies, including local government units (LGUs), shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this Act. b) The LTO shall have the power to issue policies, rules, regulations, and standards for the effective implementation of this Act. The authority of the LTO under this Subsection shall include the power to regularly publish and update a list of devices that may be considered as emergency vehicle lights and audio accessories that are covered under this Act, with due regard to emerging technologies.

c) The LTO shall consolidate reports of violations committed by government officials or personnel and make recommendations for the institution of criminal and/or administrative cases against such officials or personnel for violations of the provisions of this Act, to the Office of the Ombudsman or agency, as may be applicable.

SEC. 7. Penalties. - In addition to the penalties provided under existing laws,

7 the following acts shall be penalized: a) Any driver in violation of Sections 4(a), 4(d), or 4(e) of this Act shall be fined One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) for the first offense; Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) for the second offense; Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and suspension of the driver's license for a period of one (1) year for the third and succeeding offenses: Provided, That in case the driver of a private motor vehicle is not the owner of the vehicle, the owner shall be solidarily liable with the driver for the fine/s imposed under this Subsection: Provided, Further, That in case a government official or personnel to whom an official vehicle has been designated for use, is not the driver or a passenger of such vehicle, he/she shall be solidarily liable with the driver of the motor vehicle for the fine imposed under this Subsection, in addition to administrative and other sanctions and penalties that may apply under prevailing laws, rules, and regulations, such as but not limited to Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. b) Any manufacturer, distributor, importer, retailer, or seller who violates Sec. 5 of this Act shall be punished with a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) for each and every emergency vehicle light or audio accessory that is manufactured, distributed, imported and/or sold, without prejudice to other penalties imposed under Republic Act No. 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

SEC. 8. Safe Use of Roads for Transporting Patients, Victims, and for

Other Public Security Purposes. - The LTO shall conduct a study on road use and traffic management strategies for the safe transportation of patients and victims, or

1 for conducting emergency or disaster response, and make necessary 2 recommendations to Congress for other safety measures: Provided, That the LTO shall 3 ensure that such measures safeguard the safety of all types of road users: Provided, 4 Further, That such measures shall ensure the highest affordable protection to 5 pedestrians, cyclists, and road users travelling on public or mass transportation 6 vehicles and active modes of transportation. The LTO shall conduct the study within one (1) year from the effectivity of this 8 Act, and shall furnish a copy of the results of such study to the President and the 9 Congress of the Philippines.

SEC. 9. Local Government Units. -

a) LGUs, through appropriate ordinances, shall enforce mechanisms to implement the provisions of this Act, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The LTO, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), shall provide the technical support to LGUs for the development of such issuances. b) LGUs shall regularly report apprehended violators to the LTO for the appropriate recording of demerits pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10930 or An Act Rationalizing and Strengthening the Policy Regarding Driver's Licenses by Extending the Validity Period of Driver's Licenses, and Penalizing Acts in Violation of Its Issuance and Application, Amending for Those Purposes Sec. 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended by Batas Pambansa Big. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, and for purposes of making recommendations for the institution of appropriate administrative and/or criminal proceedings pursuant to Sec. 6 of this Act.

SEC. 10. Information, Education, and Communications Campaign. -

a) The DOTr, PNP, BFP, DOH, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in partnership with organizations from the private sector, civil society, and academe shall undertake regular nationwide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign within six (6) months from the passage of

this Act. The IC campaign shall include information on the emergency vehicle lights and audio accessories that are covered under this Act, and the permitted use of such lights and audio accessories and relevant processes. b) The DOTr may call upon any government agency and partner with relevant organizations from the private sector, civil society, and academe, to extend their full support and cooperation for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 11. Annual Report. - The DOTr shall conduct a periodic review of the

8 implementation of this Act, including enforcement by other government agencies and 9. LCDs, and submit an annual report on such review to the President and Congress of 10 the Philippines.

SEC. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days

12 from the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr, LTO, PNP-HPG, all concerned agencies, upon 13 prior consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall Issue the implementing rules and 14 regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial

16 implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations 17 of the DOTr. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued 18 implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is

20 declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby 21 shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

26 complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,