By Genalyn D. Kabiling
The no “wang-wang” (car siren) policy implemented by his predecessor President Benigno S. Aquino III remains in effect, President Duterte declared Wednesday, after getting complaints about politicians getting special treatment on the road.
The President has reminded public servants against using car sirens to dodge road traffic, saying they are all workers in government with salaries paid by the people.
“Ngayon sabi nila na ano bu mabalik na daw ‘yung siren, there is an order of kay Aquino pa ‘yan, and I’d like to maintain that policy lalo na taga-gobyerno kayo,” the President said during a visit to Quezon.
Apart from his aversion to car sirens and blinkers, the President said he has reminded Cabinet members to avoid using special plate No. 6 on their vehicles.
Duterte recalled that he never used the special plate No. 8 when he was congressman of Davao several years ago.
“Because kayong Pilipino ang nag-sweldo sa akin You pay me. You are the employer, I am the employee,” he said.
Aquino sought to put an end to the culture of entitlement in the bureaucracy when he assumed office in 2010 by banning sirens for politicians, including himself.
