08/03/2026
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So let me get this straight.
The LTO says loud mufflers are illegal.
Fair enough.
They created a rule that says if your exhaust exceeds 99 decibels, then it's a violation.
Meaning if your pipe passes the sound meter test, it should be compliant.
Simple.
But now they’re saying something new.
Even if your pipe PASSES the decibel test, it can still be illegal if you cannot present a “certificate of road safety” from the manufacturer.
So let’s think about that.
You can:
✔ Pass the official sound test
✔ Follow the 99 dB limit
✔ Ride responsibly
…and you can still get penalized because you don’t have paperwork that most exhaust manufacturers don’t even issue.
So what exactly is the sound meter for?
Decoration?
Because right now the rule sounds like this:
“You passed the test… but you still fail.”
Meanwhile we still see:
• smoke-belching vehicles everywhere
• unsafe public transport units
• fake registrations
• vehicles that clearly fail road safety inspections
But the priority suddenly becomes confiscating mufflers that already passed the test.
That’s not road safety.
That’s selective enforcement.
If the rule is 99 dB, then enforce 99 dB.
Not:
“Aftermarket yan.”
“Mukhang maingay.”
“Tanggalin mo yan.”
Laws should be clear, consistent, and measurable.
Not something that changes depending on who stops you at the checkpoint.
