No. Squatted trucks—vehicles modified to sit lower than factory specifications—are illegal in the Philippines under multiple regulatory frameworks. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) prohibits structural alterations that compromise safety, while local governments enforce anti-noise and emissions ordinances targeting modified exhaust systems. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Road Safety Act further criminalize such modifications, imposing fines up to ₱50,000 or impoundment.
Key Regulations for Squatted Trucks in Philippines
- LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2023-012: Explicitly bans squatted trucks under Section 3.1, citing violations of Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) for unsafe vehicle configurations.
- Local Government Code (Republic Act No. 7160): Empowers cities/municipalities to enforce anti-noise and anti-pollution ordinances, targeting modified exhaust systems common in squatted trucks.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) AO No. 2024-05: Mandates compliance with Euro 4 emission standards; squatted trucks often fail inspection due to tampered catalytic converters.
Enforcement varies by region, with Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao imposing stricter checks. Operators risk impoundment under LTO Administrative Order No. 2025-08, which prioritizes roadworthiness over aesthetic modifications. Legal alternatives include factory-low models or approved suspension kits with LTO certification.