JV tells LTO, HPG to iron out conflict in motorcycle gadgets rules

SENATOR JV Ejercito has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to iron out the conflict in the enforcement of laws and regulations for gadgets attached to motorcycle vehicles.

In a letter to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, Ejercito, citing media reports, said the PNP-HPG does not recognize an LTO memorandum issued in 2016, which allows the use of LED auxiliary lights and aftermarket mufflers subject to certain parameters.

He said that despite the memorandum, the PNP-HPG, invoking Presidential Decree No. 96, which prohibits the use of sirens, bells, horns, and similar gadgets on motor vehicles, continue to apprehend drivers for sporting the banned gadgets.

"In the interest of our motorists, I am asking the LTO and the PNP-HPG to discuss the conflict and misinterpretation of our laws and clarify regulations governing such gadgets. This is to further avoid burdening the public due to the divergence of policies of our implementing agencies. I would also appreciate if you could update my office regarding the matter," he said in the letter with a copy furnished to Chief Supt. Arnel B. Escobal, director of HPG.