A municipal ordinance regulating noise from motorized vehicles in Medina town, known as Municipal Ordinance No. 0597-2009, will soon be fully implemented after amendments were approved to increase penalties for violators.
During a regular session on Tuesday, August 19, the Sangguniang Bayan, or municipal council, approved an amendment to Section 5 of the ordinance, raising the fines for noise pollution violations.
Councilor Esmael Naguib Jr., chairman of the Committee on Human Rights, Peace and Order and Public Safety, said the town will also purchase decibel meters.
Naguib, who also chairs the Committee on Public Utility, explained that the devices are crucial for documenting violations, preventing offenders from denying their actions, and assisting police in filing cases.
The ordinance targets vehicles with modified mufflers that cause loud noise, often referred to as “Bora Bora.”
Most violators are young people on motorcycles.
The new penalties are:
First offense: P1,000, up from P300
Second offense: P2,000, up from P400
Third offense: P2,500, up from P500
According to Naguib, the amendment was discussed and agreed upon during a public hearing on August 18.
The measure has been widely supported by residents, especially senior citizens whose sleep is often disturbed by the noise at night.
One resident, who requested anonymity, said their complaints about the issue have finally been heard.
