'Honky-tong'

A couple of days ago, I happened to sit with former Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Theo Arnold at a dinner. For so many years now, the former Dutch ambassador has been enjoying his retirement in the Philippines and has since been remarried to a Filipina. He is well-liked by many Filipinos and in fact, was even awarded the Order of Sikatuna by the Philippine government sometime in 2003. During his stint, he helped strengthen the ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands through a number of agreements he facilitated which resulted in the hiring of more Filipinos by Dutch companies.

Theo told me of the hopes and dreams he has for this country that he has come to love, and that he keeps praying and hoping that the situation will be better. However, after so many years of living in the Philippines, he has increasingly become frustrated. First and foremost is the unbearable noise pollution that has caused him sleepless nights while living in Makati, making him decide to move to Antipolo. 

Those who live in areas that are part of public transport routes understand the kind of stress caused by the incessant noise coming from jeepneys and buses that honk their horns with no letup even until the ungodly hour of 3 a.m., such as the corner of Ayala and EDSA. Unfortunately, these drivers often get away with so many traffic violations because they just play “honky-tong” with corrupt “kotong” cops and traffic officers.

It’s not hard to see why road rage can occur and why private car owners want to wring the neck of these public transport drivers who not only violate every traffic rule but also worsen stress levels with their blaring stereos and the maniacal sounds from their horns. I have heard a lot of complaints from commuters who have to put up with arrogant jeepney drivers playing ear-splitting music inside their vehicles – forcing disembarking passengers to yell at the top of their voices to let the driver know they already want to get off.

Aside from hearing impairment, noise pollution can cause stress, hypertension and other health problems. Just try being in an elevator full of noisy teenagers the morning after a sleepless night and see if your blood level does not shoot up every time they guffaw – and right behind your sensitive eardrums, too. Studies have also shown that high noise levels can affect the performance of children in school, especially if they become hearing impaired due to continuous exposure to high noise levels.

According to experts, noise pollution is any unwanted sound that disrupts environmental balance and harmony - and this can come from motor vehicles, machines and equipment including sound systems. Obviously, noise pollution is not only caused by bus and jeepney drivers but even by inconsiderate neighbors and rowdy establishments located near residential areas. 

At least there are a number of cities that have already adopted local ordinances to curb noise pollution. As early as 1999, Marikina passed an ordinance incorporated under its Sanitation Code to regulate “noise-making revelries and drinking sprees” in private homes and subdivisions by limiting the playing of stereos, videokes, karaokes and similar equipment beyond “normally accepted modulation” up to 10 p.m. only. Not surprising considering the fact that Bayani Fernando has always been circumspect about “urbanidad” (civility and decorum) in his beloved city, instilling a sense of pride and discipline among Marikeños through a number of unusual “rules” like the prohibition of drinking sprees on the side of the road. 

San Juan also has an anti-noise pollution ordinance prohibiting drivers to play amplified music or blow their horns for more than three seconds. Excessive music coming from homes and gardens are also considered unlawful. In Quezon City, long-suffering residents heaved a sigh of relief when an ordinance requiring tricycles to install mufflers or silencers on their vehicles was passed several years ago.

If we remember correctly, a Quezon City councilor also authored a local bill to curb noise pollution and lessen stress by establish standards of sound quality, citing that commercial and construction activities that produce noise beyond normal human tolerance cause stress, loss of hearing, sleep loss, distraction and loss of productivity among others. The proposed ordinance also prohibits people from allowing pets like dogs from producing disturbing noises. This is particularly important since we’ve heard stories about neighbors engaging in a fracas over the relentless barking of a pet dog at midnight that goes on until the wee hours of the morning. You can’t really blame a person for wanting to shoot the neighbor’s dog especially if it causes headaches due to sleeplessness.

In any case, the Christmas season is already here, so expect “honky-tong” cops to become “more visible” – not because they will be busy apprehending errant drivers but due to increased “fund raising” pursuits. As a matter of fact, we have received so many reports about kotong policemen engaged in activities that victimize teenagers coming home after partying late. A favorite spot is that portion of Buendia and Roxas Boulevard (near the Heritage Hotel), where these mulcters would flag down the teenager, harass him and plant drugs to fabricate false charges. A lot of these hapless victims would become so terrorized at the thought of ending up in jail that they (and their families) would agree to “settle” for a huge amount – as much as half a million in some instances – even if they know the whole thing was a set-up.

Many foreigners like Theo Arnold who have come to love this country are convinced that if these “honky-tong” activities persist and can’t be solved, how much more the bigger problems like corruption and the peace and order situation in Mindanao? Indeed, we couldn’t agree more at how frustrating and unbearable it can become at times to live in our country.

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