Cebu City authorities have ordered a renewed crackdown on motorcycles fitted with illegally modified mufflers following increasing complaints about excessive exhaust noise.
The Cebu City Traffic Management Coordination Committee (TMC) approved a resolution directing the Cebu City Transportation Office’s Traffic Enforcement and Operations Division (CCTO-TEOD) to intensify enforcement against motorcycles with unauthorized or excessively loud exhaust systems.
The directive also calls for closer coordination with the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) to strengthen implementation of existing rules on motorcycle modifications.
The move was prompted by complaints received by the Office of the Mayor regarding motorcycles equipped with so-called “Bora-Bora” mufflers, which residents said create disruptive noise, especially in residential areas.
Under the resolution, CCTO-TEOD was instructed to coordinate with LTO-7, including securing additional training for LTO-deputized city traffic enforcers to ensure proper and consistent enforcement of regulations on motorcycle exhaust systems.
The TMC said the campaign aims to address noise pollution and improve the quality of life of residents affected by excessive motorcycle noise.
Existing Cebu City ordinances prohibit vehicles that emit excessive or unusual noise, including motorcycles producing sound levels beyond 84 decibels.
To monitor implementation, the committee directed CCTO-TEOD to conduct regular operations against violators and submit weekly accomplishment reports to the TMC.
The renewed enforcement comes as LTO-7 works on updated guidelines for motorcycle mufflers following consultations with motorcycle groups.
LTO-7 Regional Director Lawyer Wendel Calinao Dinglasan earlier said modified or aftermarket mufflers may still be allowed as long as they retain silencers and remain within allowable noise levels.
“Kapag sobrang ingay na niyan, most probably walang silencer ‘yan. That’s what we are prohibiting,” Dinglasan said during a dialogue with motorcycle club leaders in Mandaue City.
He said the updated guidelines will be released to local government units, motorcycle groups, and deputized traffic enforcers to ensure uniform enforcement.
Dinglasan also emphasized the need for clear guidelines and information campaigns before stricter enforcement.
“Kasi ang hirap kung maghuli tayo pero hindi clear kung anong bawal. Hindi lang strict enforcement ang dapat, may compassion din. We need to tell the people ano ba ang tama at mali sa ating batas at sa ating memorandum,” he said.
Meanwhile, LTO-7 has continued operations against motorcycles with unauthorized modifications even before the release of the revised guidelines.
From January to February 2026, the agency impounded 192 motorcycles across Central Visayas for unauthorized vehicle modifications, including altered exhaust systems.
LTO-7 said enforcement is based on Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which prohibits unauthorized modifications that deviate from a motorcycle’s original manufacturer specifications.
The agency clarified that roadside apprehensions focus on unauthorized changes from factory configuration, while the commonly cited 99-decibel limit applies during inspections conducted by Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers for vehicle registration and renewal.
Motorcycle owners whose units are apprehended are required to restore their vehicles to stock condition, surrender unauthorized parts, undergo inspection, and settle penalties before their motorcycles can be released.
Photo courtesy of PNP Taguig
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