The proposed “Anti-loud Muffler” ordinance in Manila has been signed into law. It is now a violation in the said city to have a muffler noise above  99dB.

Last month, we told you all about Ordinance No. 8145 or the Anti-loud Muffler Ordinance proposed by Manila councilor Joel “JTV” Villanueva. It is also known as “Ordinance Regulating The Use of Modified Muffler / Exhaust Pipe and Similar Devices On All Types of Motor Vehicles Resulting to the Emission of Excessive, Loud & Unreasonable Noise in the City of Manila & Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof and For Other Purposes.” Thereafter, we also told you about the exceptions to this ordinance right before it was signed into law.

In his most recent update, Councilor Joel “JTV” Villanueva said on Facebook that Mayor Isko Moreno has finally signed into law Ordinance No. 8772.

This means the prohibition set forth in the ordinance is now in effect. To recap, Section 5 of Ordinance No. 8772 specifies the prohibited acts as follows: “It shall be unlawful for any person to use or operate a motor vehicle with [a] modified muffler that emits and produces noise levels beyond the national standard of 99dB taken at an engine speed of 2,000 to 2,500rpm.” 

Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are tasked to execute this ordinance. Penalties for the first, second, and third offense equate to fines of P1,000, P3,000, and P5,000, respectively. Each offense shall also result in the removal of the vehicle’s modified muffler or exhaust pipe.

Those found in violation of this ordinance will have their driver’s licenses confiscated and will be given a five-day temporary permit. Their license will be returned as soon as the fines are settled. However, they also have to pass the second noise-level test. Failing this will result in government-supervised repairs/modification in any PNP accredited repair shops at the owner’s cost.