PRESIDENT Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s order prohibiting the indiscriminate use of sirens and blinkers by government officials and employees is a bold statement about the ethical standards expected in public service. This policy, invoking both historical precedent and a renewed commitment to fairness, reinforces integrity and accountability necessary at all levels of government.
The use of sirens and blinkers, meant for emergencies, had been misused by some to navigate through traffic for convenience, undermining public trust and fairness. Such privileges, when abused, not only disrupt traffic but also erode the public’s respect for those in government. President Marcos’ order, therefore, is a commendable step in restoring a semblance of equality on the roads, which are a daily theater of communal life and law.
By revisiting the policies set forth by his predecessors, including the notable “Walang wangwang” policy of the late President Benigno Aquino III, and the strictures laid down by his own father, President Marcos Sr., through Presidential Decree No. 96, Marcos Jr. is reaching back to a tested framework. This continuity and respect for historical context deepen the roots of the current policy, providing it with a robust foundation that underscores its necessity and relevance.
Furthermore, linking the prohibition to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) does more than reinforce legal boundaries; it emphasizes the ethos that should characterize public service. The clear delineation of what is expected ethically from public servants helps cement a culture of transparency and responsibility — a move towards governance that respects the governed by first respecting the rules it is meant to uphold.
However, the effectiveness of this policy hinges on its enforcement. Strict and impartial enforcement of these regulations is crucial. Without consistent application, even the most well-intentioned policies can quickly fall into disrepute. Therefore, it is essential that the government ensures that these rules are adhered to by all, without exception. This will be the true test of the administration’s commitment to change.
Let this not be just a directive that fades into the background noise of daily governance. Instead, let it be a loud and clear call for an enduring commitment to ethics and equality that resonates through every level of public service.
