MMDA: Use of blinkers, 'wang-wang' only allowed during emergencies and official duty

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said that it will comply with the parameters of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group as authorities step up its crackdown against the unauthorized use of blinkers and sirens or “wang-wang”.

At a press briefing, 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.

Data from the HPG showed that 165 blinkers and 14 sirens were confiscated from motorists from July 1 to 12. Violators will be fined P5,000.

Cheloy Gerafil, newly-minted chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Charlie Del Rosario of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, and MJ Paras-Leynes of the Land Transportation Office were also present at the briefing and backed the campaign against the illegal use of wang-wang.

“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 illegal use of blinkers and sirens.

Police Cpt. Bingsky Foncardas, HPG Legal Service Officer said 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 the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

“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.

Foncardas also said that only 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.

LTO officer-in-charge Romeo Vera Cruz reminded the public that there is a standing prohibition on the use of emergency devices.

“Motorists who are unauthorized to use blinkers and sirens should remove these devices on their vehicles or face fines and penalties,” Vera Cruz said in a statement.