The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that it will comply with the parameters of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) as authorities step up their crackdown against the unauthorized use of blinkers and sirens or “wang-wang.”
MMDA Officer-in-Charge Director Baltazar Melgar said that the agency has issued a memorandum prohibiting all its officials and employees from using sirens and blinkers and other similar devices except under certain conditions.
“Violators among our ranks will face administrative charges.”
“Sirens and blinkers should be attached to marked MMDA vehicles and used in the actual performance of the duties and functions of the agency. Violators among our ranks will face administrative charges,” Melgar said.
The agency also pulled out its motorcycle escorts detailed to various government officials in support of the drive against the illegal use of blinkers and sirens.
According to PNP- HPG Service Legal Officer PCpt. Bingsky Foncardas, there are specific parameters that should be met to be able to use blinkers and sirens, in accordance with Presidential Decree 96 which was issued back in 1973, and Republic 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code which was issued back in 1964.
“For authorized use of wang-wang and blinkers, the vehicle must be a marked government property which is used only during official functions or performance of duties such as emergency response and law enforcement,” Foncardas explained.
“The President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are the only government officials allowed to attach and use sirens, blinkers.”
The official also said that the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are the only government officials allowed to attach and use sirens, blinkers, and other similar devices.
Chairperson Atty. Cheloy Garafil of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Charlie Del Rosario of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, and Atty. MJ Paras-Leynes of the Land Transportation Office were also present in the press briefing and expressed support for the campaign against the illegal use of “wang-wang.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the Timog Flyover Southbound will be open to motorists at 5 pm on Saturday, July 23.
The bridge was closed on June 25 for immediate repairs as cracks were seen on it.
DPWH District Engineer Edward Santos said that they are ahead of the schedule and major repairs on the flyover are mostly done.
