CITY ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF VIDEO KARAOKE MACHINES AMENDED

Announcements, News and Articles

The Fourteenth Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by Honorable Vice Mayor Jose Antonio S. Veloso, amended Sections 3 and 6 of City Ordinance No. C-314, series of 2020, during its regular session last June 4, 2021. The Ordinance specifically prohibited the use of video karaoke machines and other noise producing devices during this time of the pandemic, to ensure that student learners on modular learning and employees on work-from-home arrangement are not disrupted. However, Section 3 of the said Ordinance was deemed to be vague since it only mentioned that the use of video karaoke units may be allowed as long as the sound emitted does not exceed the recommended volume equivalent to a normal conversation. Such provision is prone to subjective interpretations. Hence, after careful deliberation, the use of said video karaoke devices may be allowed, provided that the sounds emitted shall not exceed the recommended volume of 60 decibels, which is equivalent to the normal conversation level, or such a volume that will not annoy the quiet and comfort of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities in any dwelling or residence, in the place where such device is operated; provided, further, that sound emitted is deemed to have exceeded the allowed volume should there be three or more complaints received from neighboring households.Furthermore, the penalties for the violations said City Ordinance have been amended. First- time offenders shall now only be reprimanded. A 2nd offense shall be subjected to the payment of fines with a compromise penalty in the amount of 1,000 pesos, in case the offender admits to the offense before the filing of the case in the proper courts. No compromise penalty shall be allowed for the third offense. The Ordinance is sponsored by Hon. Eliezer L. Borja, Chairman of the Committee on Peace, Public Order and Safety.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *