I highly doubt a module changed it. What you showed in your post is the default for phpVMS 5.5.2 and prior. What I suggested is from phpVMS 5.5.2.72. My change makes it compatible with PHP 7.2 - and should not affect usability.
I usually look for a way to fix the issue rather than turn off error reporting - unless you need to get the site functional again quickly. And I suggest you run a developmemt site using an exact copy of your site so you can test out possible fixes or test new modules while your main site stays available for your pilots.