DOTr issues order to apprehend ‘habal-habal’ vehicles
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Both the Negros Occidental Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Highway Patrol Group have received orders from the Office of the President to target motorcycles with modified mufflers, which create a lot of noise.
Based on the copy of the order signed by LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante and forwarded to the local highway patrol, they have been directed to implement stringent enforcement against such motorcycles.
In addition, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has also ordered the apprehension of “habal-habal” vehicle, noting their negative impact on carbon emissions.
“Habal-habal” refers to motorcycles with additions allowing for additional occupants, either extending the seat or platforms added to each side.
Bacolod City passed a similar ordinance 15 years ago, which regulates noise pollution, particularly from motorcycles with noisy mufflers.
The ordinance mandates the City Legal Office, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office, and Traffic Management Unit to impound such vehicles./DGB, WDJ