If there’s one thing that we have seen an increase in over the past few years, it’s that VIP escorts have made a return—complete with rent-a-cop motorcycles blaring their annoying-as-hell sirens and strobe lights (also known as wang-wang).

Banning the practice was one of the first things that the late President Noynoy Aquino did during his administration. The moment the next president took over, it was as if that law never existed.

And now, under Administrative Order No. 18, the use of sirens, blinkers, and similar devices are once again prohibited.

These are normally reserved for emergency vehicles that, you know, use them for actual emergencies instead of trying to rush the entitled passengers to their next lunch appointment important meeting (who sometimes take the bus lane when they can’t strong-arm the unlucky souls stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic).

The administrative order states:

All government officials and personnel are hereby prohibited from utilizing sirens, blinkers, and other similar gadgets that produce exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including signaling and flashing devices.

Exempted from using these are motor vehicles designated for official use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation; fire trucks; and hospital ambulances. The usage shall only be under emergency circumstances to ensure the safe passage of emergency responders.

This also implies that high-ranking officials (including the presidential convoy) will not be allowed as well.

Aside from President Bongbong Marcos‘s PR quote (“in a bid to promote the welfare and well-being of the general public”), what was the exact reason that caused him to sign it last March 25, almost two years into his term?

We’re not entirely sure, but as they all say, better late than never. We hope that everyone follows, and that there will be strict enforcement for those who don’t.