Karaoke, loud noise banned in Cebu City during public health emergencies

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has approved the move to impose a city-wide prohibition on the use of karaoke machines or other items causing loud noises in residential areas during states of public health emergencies – except on certain times on Sundays.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Raymond Garcia amended City Ordinance No. 309 or The Anti-Noise Ordinance.

Garcia’s amendatory ordinance states that it is imperative that loud noises be curbed to preserve public peace and order, and to provide conducive learning and working atmosphere for residents of the city.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, schools and businesses have adopted online learning classes/modules and work-from-home arrangements to minimize the possible spread of the virus until such time that a new normal can be attained and face-to-face learning and working conditions will be restored.

Garcia said incidents of loud singing on karaoke during day and night have become more frequent, disturbing the learning and working environments of students and workers who rely on internet access at home to attend classes and work.

Garcia said there was a need to amend City Ordinance No. 309 in order to include provisions, which will be effective during public health emergencies.

Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 309 now reads:

“For the period covering the State of Public Health Emergency, Enhanced Community Quarantine, General Community Quarantine or a modification thereof, and/or Covid-19 Pandemic or any other epidemic or pandemic as declared by the National Government (hereafter the ‘Community Quarantine Period’), it shall be unlawful for any person to use or play karaoke machines and other items causing loud noises, such as but are not limited to high-sounding, high-powered and amplified machines, radios, audio systems, CD players, and musical instruments, which may unreasonably disturb or annoy persons within the vicinity of residential areas in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Cebu from Monday to Saturday.”

It adds, “Provided, that such karaoke machines and other items/devices may be used during Sundays but only up to six (6) o’clock in the evening, Philippine Standard Time.”

During the final deliberation of Garcia’s proposal, Councilor Franklyn Ong said the ordinance must also specify the time during which residents can use the karaoke machines and other devices.

Garcia agreed and said this can be allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Those who will violate the ordinance will be fined not more than P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.- JMO (FREEMAN)