Candidates warned vs using sirens

The Philippine National Police has warned candidates running in the May 10 elections against using sirens and blinkers in their campaigns. Radio dzXL reported that PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina had issued the reminder after receiving reports of candidates using such gadgets during campaign sorties. Espina said only the President, law enforcers, ambulances and firefighters on duty may use these. Violators will be arrested and prosecuted, he added. The late President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree 96 in 1973 outlawing the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and similar gadgets. "Much of the chaotic conditions from which our people have suffered and still continue to suffer are the direct result of indiscriminate and unregulated use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways," Marcos said in his proclamation. The proclamation also authorizes only "the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation [Office], police departments, fire departments and hospital ambulances" to use these gadgets. Violators face immediate confiscation of their sirens and imprisonment of up to six months, and a fine of P600. In 2005, President Arroyo signed Administrative Order 122, which ordered all government offices to strictly comply with Presidential Decree 96. The order asked government officials not falling with the exceptions to take the lead in following the law “to serve as an example and encourage the general public to comply with [it]." — NPA, GMANews.TV