Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
In Angeles City, Pampanga, there’s a limit to videoke sessions.
“The Angeles City Council has passed Ordinance No. 366 — officially known as the ‘Videoke machines and similar electronics devices regulation ordinance of Angeles City’ —
to protect residents from discomfort and disturbances posed by the unregulated use of videoke and amplified sounds, especially during the wee hours of the morning,” reports Tonette Orejas in Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The report noted: “Under the ordinance, users need to secure a permit from the barangay council three days before an occasion, agree to limit the volume to only 90 decibels (approximating sound generated by trucks) and commit to hold an event up to 10pm.”
For this purpose the city government even bought a decibel measuring device, which is due for delivery in two weeks.
Those who violate the ordinance will pay fines ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP5,000 and/or a prison term of six months.
The ordinance likewise “bans the setting up and use of videoke and karaoke machines within 200 meters of churches, religious sites, schools and hospitals. It exempted local government-sponsored and organized events from getting permits.”
Meanwhile, entertainment businesses were required by the law to provide “effective soundproofing of their establishments to maintain the tolerable noise level outside their establishments.”
The report added: “Businesses have stiffer penalties — a PHP500 fine a day after the compliance deadline set by the local government, business suspension for seven days or revocation of business permit.”
Photo: MorgueFile
