By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The continued use of sirens and motorcycle escorts for convoys worsens Metro Manila’s already severe traffic congestion, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito lamented on Monday.
Ejercito commented on a video posted on the Facebook page of Visor, a Philippine-based automotive-focused online site, showing two motorcycle escorts leading a convoy of three sports utility vehicles along an unidentified road.
His comment was then made as another social media post by Visor on Monday.
“This contributes to the worsening traffic in Metro Manila! Disrupts the flow specially in intersections or junctions,” Ejercito posted.
“Imagine if there are around 30 convoys plying Metro streets during rush hour. Talagang magkakabuhol-buhol ang traffic (The traffic will really get tangled up)!” he added.
In March 2024, Malacañang issued Administrative Order No. 18 prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices “except motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and fire trucks and hospital ambulances.”
The order said “unauthorized and indiscriminate use of sirens, blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices has been rampant, causing traffic disruptions and unsafe road and traffic environments.” (PNA)
