IN A bid to lessen the noise emanating from vehicle mufflers, La Trinidad’s Municipal Council recently approved on second reading the amended 'Tambutso' ordinance.
The ordinance aims to maintain and preserve the comfort and convenience of its residents by restricting noise pollution caused by the installation of loud fabricated mufflers or other gadgets producing more noise.
"In order to strengthen and sustain the implementation of the ordinance, there is a need to amend certain provisions which gives authorities to enforce its provision," said Councilor Roderick Awingan of the Tambutso Ordinance which was approved in 2015.
Awingan said under the amended ordinance, any police officer assigned under the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, any Municipal Auxiliary Traffic Enforcer, duly-elected village officials and other persons the municipal mayor may authorized can apprehend ordinance violators.
The ordinance was crafted after noise pollution in the municipality has increased and most often destroy the serenity of the day or especially at night every time these vehicles pass by.
Under the ordinance, it is unlawful for any driver or owner to remove or modify the muffler of a motor vehicle or to introduce a modified muffler for any reason it may be.
Furthermore, any dealer to sell any motor vehicle accessory or modified muffler that may aid in the production of a louder sound for the said vehicle are prohibited.
Penalties against violations of the law include P1,500 for first offense, P2,000 fine for second offense, P2,500 for third offense and Imprisonment of not more than six months on the fourth offense.