Senate Deputy Majority Leader and motorcycle advocate JV Ejercito raised concerns with Land Transportation Office (LTO) officials over inconsistent enforcement of rules on aftermarket motorcycle modifications.
The move followed complaints from motorcycle groups about the uneven application of regulations, even for parts legally imported, manufactured, and sold in the Philippines.
“Kung legal ang bentahan ng piyesa, natural na ipagpalagay ng rider na pumasa ito sa standards. Nagdudulot ng kalituhan kasi saka lang ito nagiging isyu o sisitahin ng enforcers kapag ginagamit na ng maraming riders. Nakalusot sa merkado pero huhuluhin ang mga bumili?” Ejercito said, highlighting confusion among riders when enforcement seems selective.
Riders have reportedly been penalized for aftermarket exhausts and pipes, affecting both big bikes and small-displacement motorcycles.
LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao said the agency is preparing a memorandum to clarify nationwide enforcement of vehicle modification rules.
Ejercito welcomed the initiative but emphasized that regulations should rely on clear and measurable standards, such as allowable exhaust noise and headlight brightness.
He also noted concerns that motorcycles appear to be targeted more frequently than four-wheeled vehicles with similar aftermarket parts.
“Sinusuportahan natin ang mga regulasyon para sa road safety. Pero ang hiling ng ating riding community, sana malinaw at patas ang pagpapatupad para sa lahat ng motorista—two wheels man o four wheels,” Ejercito said.
The senator vowed to continue coordinating with agencies and riding groups to ensure consistent and fair implementation of vehicle modification rules across the country.