[ LTO MEMORANDUM, June 21, 1999 ]
PREMATURE ENFORCEMENT OF MC NO. BGC-99274 (RESTRICTING GLARE/DAZZLE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS)
There have been numerous complaints filed in this Office from concerned motor vehicle owners as well as affected manufacturers engaged in the stainless steel industry and the media for premature and/or improper enforcement of Memorandum Circular No. BGC-99274 dated March 23, 1999. Some of those concerned who opted to paint the affected components/parts/accessories to eliminate glare were arrested/apprehended for unauthorized change color. It should be emphasized that stainless vehicles are not banned per se. Only those that cause/emit glare are prohibited. Hence, those concerned are given several options on the stainless finish such as flat, dull, brush or hairline finish. In this memorandum painting is given as another option.
Despite the clear language of Memorandum Circular No. BGC- 99 274 that same shall take effect only fifteen days after due publication, complaints have reached this Office that it began to be enforced as early as April when in fact due publication of said circular was satisfied only effective May 1, 1999 as announced in the implementing Memorandum dated May 10, 1999. Accordingly, said memorandum circular became legally enforceable only effective on May 1, 1999.
Therefore, in the interest of public service, the following guidelines shall be observed:
a. No motor vehicle that does not comply with the requirements of the memo circular shall be accepted for Original/Renewal Registration effective May 1, 1999;
b. All motor vehicles already registered as of May 1, 1999 shall have until July 31, 1999 to either have the finish changed/altered with a flat, dull, brush or hairline stainless finish or paint the affected component/part/accessories with a matching flat gray or flat silver gray paint, provided however, that this option shall not be deemed to be a violation of the rule on change of color nor shall the owner/user be held liable for arrest or apprehension therefor. Law Enforcers shall commence arrest and apprehension of violators of the memorandum circular effective August 1, 1999.
Adopted: 21 June 1999
(SGD.) BENJAMIN G. CALIMA
Assistant Secretary
Despite the clear language of Memorandum Circular No. BGC- 99 274 that same shall take effect only fifteen days after due publication, complaints have reached this Office that it began to be enforced as early as April when in fact due publication of said circular was satisfied only effective May 1, 1999 as announced in the implementing Memorandum dated May 10, 1999. Accordingly, said memorandum circular became legally enforceable only effective on May 1, 1999.
Therefore, in the interest of public service, the following guidelines shall be observed:
a. No motor vehicle that does not comply with the requirements of the memo circular shall be accepted for Original/Renewal Registration effective May 1, 1999;
b. All motor vehicles already registered as of May 1, 1999 shall have until July 31, 1999 to either have the finish changed/altered with a flat, dull, brush or hairline stainless finish or paint the affected component/part/accessories with a matching flat gray or flat silver gray paint, provided however, that this option shall not be deemed to be a violation of the rule on change of color nor shall the owner/user be held liable for arrest or apprehension therefor. Law Enforcers shall commence arrest and apprehension of violators of the memorandum circular effective August 1, 1999.
FOR GUIDANCE AND STRICT COMPLIANCE.
Adopted: 21 June 1999
Assistant Secretary