The campaign season is in full swing in the Philippines and candidates are reportedly organizing parades where they use loud sirens and bright blinkers. However, if the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had his way, these sirens and blinkers wouldn’t be used at all.
Director General Oscar Albayalde today released a statement warning candidates and political parties against the use of sirens and blinkers for their campaign sorties.
Albayalde made the statement in light of reports that he had received which said that candidates are using sirens, blinkers, and other such devices for their events.
Such devices, popularly called “wang wang,” were first prohibited during the time of former President Benigno Aquino III because they were perceived by the public as a way for politicians to abuse their power. Government officials often use sirens to force other vehicle drivers to give way to them while on the road.
The rule was adopted by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government, reported ABS-CBN News. However, some candidates appeared to have ignored or are unaware of the policy.
At present, Presidential Decree 96 states that only the following can use sirens and blinkers: the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, the PNP, firemen, and hospital ambulances.
Albayalde also said that those who violate the decree will have their vehicle registration revoked. He said he has already instructed members of the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group to strictly enforce the decree.
He said: “We are moving forcefully against the indiscriminate use of prohibited sirens, bells, horns, whistles, or similar gadgets that produce staggering sounds; as well as illegal dome lights, signaling or flashing devices.”
The PNP chief also reminded candidates to observe safety protocols during their motorcades and parades to avoid accidents.
Campaign sorties in the Philippines have a fiesta-like atmosphere. Sirens are used in parades to clear the roads of other vehicles as well as to catch the public’s attention.
During actual campaign events, candidates are often expected to sing and dance for the public. Political parties also hire celebrities to perform so that the public will attend their campaign events.
