QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 96)
PD 96 aims to bring about discipline and order on highways by declaring unlawful the indiscriminate and unregulated use of loud or startling signaling devices (including flashing devices like domelights) attached to motor vehicles, because such use impedes and confuses traffic and undermines peace and order.
Devices that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds—such as sirens, bells, horns, whistles, and similar gadgets—as well as domelights and other similar signaling or flashing devices on motor vehicles.
No. PD 96 allows the use or attachment of such devices only for motor vehicles designated for officials’ use by specific agencies listed in the decree.
Motor vehicles designated for officials use by: the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Land Transportation Commission, Police Departments, Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.
It refers to official assignment/authorization of certain vehicles by the allowed agencies to be used with the covered signaling devices. It is legally important because only such designated vehicles may lawfully use/attach the prohibited (excepted) devices.
Any device installed or mounted on a motor vehicle or otherwise used in violation of PD 96—i.e., used/attached on vehicles not designated for the allowed agencies—constitutes a violation.
The unauthorized gadget or device is subject to immediate confiscation.
PD 96 provides that in case of a second and subsequent offense, the offender shall be prosecuted before the military tribunal and, upon conviction, shall suffer imprisonment for six months and/or a fine of 600 pesos. The decree also provides immediate confiscation as a consequence for devices used in violation.
Violation in the case of second and subsequent offenses shall be prosecuted before the military tribunal.
The certificate of registration of the motor vehicle shall be cancelled or revoked.
The Commissioner of Land Transportation shall draw and promulgate rules and regulations necessary to give effect to the decree.
PD 96 is issued pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081, and it frames the ban as serving Proclamation 1081’s goal of bringing about a social order characterized by discipline and order among citizens.
Unregulated use of these devices impedes and confuses traffic and conflicts with sound traffic discipline and control, thereby becoming a major problem in maintaining peace and order.
It is not lawful unless the vehicle is designated for officials use by one of the specific agencies enumerated in PD 96. Otherwise, use/attachment is in violation and subject to confiscation and possible prosecution and cancellation/revocation of registration.
It indicates the decree’s issuance was anchored on the President’s commander-in-chief capacity and the cited proclamation framework, which may be relevant to jurisdictional or constitutional discussions regarding the decree’s enforcement (e.g., prosecution before the military tribunal for repeat violations).