President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Administrative Order No. 18: Prohibiting Government Officials and Personnel from Using Sirens, Blinkers, and Similar Devices

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Administrative Order No. 18 to address the unauthorized and indiscriminate use of sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling or flashing devices by government officials and personnel. This measure is a response to the imperative of fostering a safer and more organized road and traffic environment, underscoring the administration’s dedication to enhancing public welfare.

The order underscores the constitutional provision asserting that public office is a public trust, emphasizing the duty of public officers and employees to serve with integrity and accountability. Additionally, it cites Republic Act No. 6713, which advocates for high ethical standards in public service, and Presidential Decree No. 96 (s. 1973), which previously regulated the use of loud signaling devices on motor vehicles.

Key Provisions of Administrative Order No. 18:

All government officials and personnel are explicitly prohibited from using sirens, blinkers, and similar devices that produce loud or startling sounds, except in clearly appropriate circumstances. The use of such devices is only permitted on motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles. However, it emphasizes that their use should be limited to exigent or emergency circumstances to ensure the safe passage of emergency responders.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is tasked with reviewing, evaluating, and updating existing policies and guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of the order, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Any previous issuances, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this order are repealed or modified accordingly. Additionally, the order includes a provision for the separation of provisions in case any part of the order is declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Administrative Order No. 18 takes immediate effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. This executive measure signifies a significant step towards cultivating a safer and more regulated road and traffic environment in the Philippines. By curtailing the unauthorized use of sirens, blinkers, and similar devices among government officials and personnel, the order reinforces the principles of accountability, integrity, and public trust in governance.

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Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines