EDITORIAL – Another law that is not enforced

What do you know – there is a law, all of 32 years old, prohibiting the use of sirens, blinkers or any devices that produce startling sound or light on vehicles. The obvious exemptions include law enforcement and military vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks. Are the vehicles of Cabinet members and other public officials exempted?

President Arroyo can only answer for the Cabinet and other executive officials: they are supposed to abide by Presidential Decree No. 96, issued on Jan. 13, 1973, which prohibits the use of blinkers and sirens on most vehicles. It’s a decree from the martial law period, but it was affirmed by the President in her Executive Order No. 122. Now if only someone will enforce the order, or her officials will find it in their heart to heed it.

If no one is enforcing either the decree or the President’s EO, perhaps there ought to be a law – a stronger one passed by Congress. This is unlikely though, not just because Congress is busy as usual with political matters, but also because among the most blatant violators of PD 96 are lawmakers themselves as well as their relatives and special friends. In Metro Manila and other urban centers plagued with perennial traffic jams, public officials have come to regard sirens and blinkers as among the perks of power.

And since no one dares apprehend a vehicle that might bear the wife, son or mistress of someone in power, lesser mortals also try to enjoy the privilege when they can. Businessmen have sirens in their luxury vehicles. It’s not unusual to see blinkers on private motorcycles, with the rider passing himself off as a cop. Chances are he is, but is he allowed to install a blinker on his privately owned motorbike? He’s not, but will anyone bother apprehending him?

The President reiterated her directive amid a furor over some Cabinet members abusing the use of sirens and blinkers. Her directive may be enforced briefly, but will she dare take away these perks from thousands of politicians and their relatives? It requires strong political will that is unlikely to be seen at this time.