11-4-2024 (MANILA) In a move aimed at promoting road safety and order, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a stern directive prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling devices without proper authorisation. This decision echoes the “no wang-wang” policy implemented by former President Benigno Aquino III during his tenure.
Malacañang Palace issued Administrative Order 18 (AO 18) on March 25, although it was only made public on Thursday. The order seeks to ensure a safer and more orderly road and traffic environment by curbing the rampant and indiscriminate use of such devices.
“It has been observed that the unauthorised and indiscriminate use of sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices has been rampant, causing traffic disruptions and an unsafe road environment,” the order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated.
According to the directive, any unauthorised or improper use of signaling or flashing devices by government officials and employees will be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Exemptions and Emergencies
However, the order provides exceptions for specific agencies and vehicles that require the use of such devices in the line of duty or during emergencies. These include the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles.
“In this light, all government officials and personnel are hereby reminded that the use of sirens, dome lights, blinkers, and other similar devices shall only be under exigent or emergency circumstances or situations or to ensure the expedient and safe passage of emergency responders,” AO 18 emphasised.
The issue of unauthorised use of sirens and blinkers, colloquially known as “wang-wang,” has been a longstanding concern in the Philippines. Presidential Decree 96, issued in 1973, already prohibited the use or attachment of such devices, including exceptionally loud or startling sounds, dome lights, and blinkers, to any vehicles except those from the police, military, NBI, fire trucks, and hospital ambulances.
The campaign against “wang-wang” became a symbol of the leadership of former President Benigno Aquino III. Following his election victory in 2010, Aquino sought to root out the culture of “wang-wang,” which he believed symbolised the elite’s sense of entitlement and flagrant disregard for the law.
With Marcos Jr.’s latest directive, the Philippine government aims to uphold the rule of law, promote road discipline, and ensure the safety of all motorists and pedestrians by cracking down on the unauthorised use of such devices.
