The measure, introduced by the Davao City Council Committee on Peace and Public Safety, is titled “An Ordinance Regulating the Use and Installation of Illegally Modified Mufflers, Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof, and for Other Purposes,” otherwise known as the Muffler Regulation Ordinance of Davao City.
Councilor Luna Acosta, chairperson of the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, said the proposed ordinance seeks to strengthen and update existing rules on the use and installation of illegally modified mufflers, citing persistent concerns over noise pollution, environmental impact, public safety, and community peace.
“This is about balancing the concerns of riders with the right of communities to peace and order,” Acosta said.
Stakeholders back draft ordinance
Former One Rider party-list representative and retired police colonel Bonifacio Bosita, founder of the Road Safety Advocates of the Philippines, said stakeholders were satisfied with the draft ordinance, noting that their recommendations had already been incorporated by the committee.
“This is good news for everyone. The draft ordinance is already complete. We did not submit a position paper because all the issues we raised were thoroughly discussed and addressed during the hearings,” Bosita said.
Francerome Beltran, director for legal affairs and services of Davao City Youth for Green Environment, also welcomed the measure and thanked the City Council and city government for ensuring meaningful youth participation in the policymaking process.
“We recognize the evolving landscape of automotive technology and aftermarket enhancements. We do not object to innovation, provided it strictly complies with the law and does not pose environmental or public safety risks,” Beltran said.
Updating a 2012 ordinance
Acosta said the proposed Muffler Regulation Ordinance aims to update provisions of City Ordinance No. 0334-12, Series of 2012, also known as the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City.
Under the repealing clause, all ordinances, local issuances, or rules inconsistent with the new measure will be repealed or amended. The draft ordinance also specifically repeals provisions on modified mufflers under the existing traffic code.
She noted that the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code has been in force since the administrations of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, when they served as city mayor, and continues to be enforced under Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte.
“The ordinance has been in effect for more than a decade. After 14 years, it is necessary to review and update it to reflect changes in national laws, enforcement standards, and current conditions,” Acosta said.
The councilor recalled that the proposed ordinance passed first reading on August 5, 2025, and was referred to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) for technical recommendations. The committee subsequently conducted five hearings prior to the public consultation.
She added that the draft measure clarifies the definitions of “modified muffler” and “aftermarket muffler,” strengthens enforcement procedures, and aligns local regulations with Land Transportation Office (LTO) standards to ensure consistency with national policies.
The ordinance is expected to be finalized before the end of March, with full implementation targeted for August. In the interim, apprehensions for violations of clearly prohibited acts under the existing Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code will continue.
Noise complaints persist
Councilor Jopet Baluran, chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, said the city continues to receive numerous complaints related to excessive vehicle noise caused by modified mufflers.
“Loud engine noise disrupts sleep, affects students’ learning, and disturbs workers, especially those on night shifts,” Baluran said.
He stressed that noise pollution is not merely an inconvenience but a public health and safety concern, underscoring the City Council’s responsibility to address constituents’ complaints while ensuring due process and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Coverage and penalties
City officials said the proposed Muffler Regulation Ordinance will apply to all motor vehicles operating within Davao City, whether privately or publicly owned.
Covered vehicles include motorcycles and scooters, tricycles, passenger cars, public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, taxis, UV Express units, and buses, as well as light and heavy trucks.
Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta
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