Local authorities in Moalboal have launched a decisive crackdown on vehicles with excessively loud exhaust systems, resulting in the seizure of dozens of illegal modifications. This marks the first major enforcement action since a new local ordinance took effect.
Major Seizure Under New Ordinance
In a three-week operation that concluded recently, the Moalboal government confiscated and destroyed a total of 65 improvised and open-pipe exhaust systems. This information was officially confirmed by the Moalboal Public Information Office via a Facebook post on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The enforcement drive is based on Municipal Ordinance 007-2025, which was approved back in August 2025. This is the first time the regulation has been rigorously implemented since its passage. The ordinance significantly expands previous rules to cover all types of vehicles, not just motorcycles, that use modified or open-pipe exhausts emitting excessive noise.
Strict Noise Limits and Legal Basis
The local law explicitly prohibits operating any vehicle that produces noise exceeding 99 decibels. This standard is aligned with the national Republic Act 4136 and supporting memoranda from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
There is a notable exemption: vehicles with an engine displacement of 300cc or higher are not covered, provided they comply with the correct noise levels and have all their documentation in order.
Consequences for Violators
The penalties under the ordinance are stringent. Any vehicle fitted with a modified exhaust is considered a public nuisance and can be apprehended even without the use of a sound level meter. The confiscated exhaust parts are mandated for destruction.
Meanwhile, the vehicle itself will be impounded until the owner pays the corresponding fine and reinstalls the original, compliant exhaust system. Responsibility extends beyond just the driver; vehicle owners, rental agencies, and even parents or guardians of minors who violate the rule can be held accountable.
The ordinance also targets the supply side, prohibiting shops from selling open-pipe exhausts and requiring them to inform customers about the law.
Multi-Agency Enforcement for Community Peace
The crackdown is a collaborative effort led by the Moalboal Police Station in coordination with LTO personnel and local barangay officials. The primary goal is to maintain public order and curb noise pollution, particularly during nighttime hours, to ensure a more peaceful community environment.
This sustained operation signals the local government's serious commitment to enforcing its anti-noise pollution measures and upholding community standards for peace and quiet.
