Bontoc prohibits loud motorcycles, trikes on roads

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Complaints by the public against increasing number of motorcycles and tricycles without mufflers or silencers emitting loud noise prompted the local government here to pass an ordinance against these causes of public nuisance.
    Local officials earlier received numerous complaints from residents on disturbance and stress caused by noise of open pipe mufflers along the streets of this capital town particularly at night.
    Youngsters and riders, whizzing in their modified motorcycles caused trouble among local folks particularly ailing and senior citizens.
    Health officials said excessive noise pollution leads to several health disorders such as hypertension, irritation, and sleep disturbance.
    Exposure to sudden loud noise can cause temporary hearing loss for a few minutes.
    Following this, Bontoc mayor Franklin Odsey approved municipal ordinance 334, s. 2021, passed by the Sangguniang Bayan.
    The ordinance does not only prohibit the use of motorcycles and tricycles without mufflers or silencers but also penalizes any person violating the ordinance.
    Any person caught operating or driving a motorcycle or a tricycle without mufflers or silencers shall pay P500 for the first offense, P1, 000 for the second and P2, 500 for third and succeeding offenses.
    It was stipulated in the ordinance that failure on the part of the violator to pay the corresponding fine to the Office of the Municipal Treasurer shall be a basis for the apprehending officer to impound the motorcycle or tricycle. 
    The motorcycle or tricycle shall only be released if the violator presents proof of full payment.
    The ordinance was authored by Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson Sherwin Chamkas and Association of Barangay Captains president Jimmy Cherwaken co-sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan member Jerome Tudlong, Jr.
    The ordinance will take effect after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.