DAVAO CITY — A heated public debate erupted this week over the enforcement of motorcycle muffler regulations in Davao City, following allegations by retired police officer and transport advocate Bonifacio Laqui Bosita that traffic enforcers were improperly penalizing motorcycle riders without using standard noise-measuring equipment.
Bosita, chairman of Real Service Advocates of the Philippines and a leader of Riders Safety Advocates of the Philippines (RSAP), traveled to Davao City after receiving complaints from riders who claimed they were fined ₱5,000 for “illegal modification of mufflers” despite the absence of decibel meter testing.
Allegations of Improper Enforcement
In a strongly worded statement, Bosita accused some traffic enforcers of abusing their authority by penalizing riders based solely on visual inspection, without measuring actual noise levels.
He emphasized that under national standards and guidelines of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), modified mufflers are considered violations only when their sound output exceeds 99 decibels, as verified using calibrated decibel meters, particularly in accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs).
“Hindi tama at hindi makatao ang ginagawa nila,” Bosita said, arguing that riders were being unfairly burdened and financially strained by what he described as arbitrary enforcement. He urged affected motorists not to immediately pay fines and vowed to assist them in seeking legal remedies.
Visit to Davao, Dialogue with Officials
Bosita’s visit to the city aimed to raise concerns over the reported lack of proper equipment used by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and its Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU). According to him, several riders complained that citations were issued without objective testing.
However, his outspoken remarks and confrontational tone reportedly drew criticism from local officials, prompting a response from Paolo Duterte, representative of Davao City’s 1st District.
Duterte Defends Local Ordinance
In a public statement, Duterte defended City Ordinance No. 0334-12, also known as the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City, stressing that the regulation was enacted to preserve public order and protect residents from excessive noise.
“This is not just an arbitrary policy,” Duterte said. “It exists to protect public order—especially against excessively loud modified exhaust systems that cause disturbance, anxiety, and alarm, particularly at night.”
He added that Davao’s governance is anchored on discipline, peace, and respect for community welfare, especially for families, senior citizens, and children who are affected by nighttime noise pollution.
Duterte also criticized Bosita’s alleged behavior toward city employees, saying advocacy should be pursued through proper dialogue and legislative processes rather than public confrontation.
“You were not elected here. Our people chose their leaders. Respect that,” Duterte said in his statement.
Call for Proper Channels and Consultation
The lawmaker stressed that while criticism is welcome, arrogance and public grandstanding are not. He reiterated that the local government remains open to consultations and policy reviews, provided these are done through formal and respectful channels.
“If there are provisions that need amendment, there is a process,” Duterte said. “Governance works through legislation and public dialogue, not through shouting matches.”
Riders Caught in the Middle
Meanwhile, motorcycle riders in Davao City remain caught between conflicting interpretations of the rules. Some riders expressed frustration over what they see as inconsistent enforcement, while others acknowledged the need to control excessive noise in residential areas.
Several rider groups have called for clearer guidelines, transparent procedures, and the mandatory use of decibel meters during apprehensions to ensure fairness and avoid disputes.
Push for Standardized Enforcement
Transport advocates and local officials now face mounting pressure to harmonize national regulations with local ordinances. Observers say the controversy highlights the need for standardized enforcement protocols, proper training of traffic personnel, and adequate equipment to ensure that penalties are based on measurable evidence rather than discretion.
As discussions continue, both sides have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, signaling hopes that the issue can be resolved through cooperation rather than confrontation.
For now, city authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order, while rider groups continue to demand transparency and due process in the enforcement of traffic laws.