Makati City tones down sound of videoke music

No more belting out of “My Way” in Makati City, unless…

To minimize noise pollution, the Makati City Council is regulating the use of videokes and karaokes, the Filipinos’ favorite pastime, as well as other similar amplified audio devices, within residential areas and along public streets in the city.

Under City Ordinance No. 2011-019, it shall be unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any “excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud sound from the said audio devices within residences and on the streets, which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others within the city.”

Any person who violates any of the provisions of the ordinance will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Banned acts

Acts that are declared to be unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise under the ordinance include operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, CD player, television sets, amplified musical instrument, drums, loudspeaker, videoke or karaoke system, or other sound-producing device in such manner or with such volume so as to annoy the quiet and comfort of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities in any dwelling or residence; or with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing of the persons who are in the place in which such device is operated.

Another factor to be considered “prima facie” evidence of a violation of the ordinance is when the sound generated from said devices is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from its location.

What’s allowed

However, the ordinance allows residents to use or operate videoke or karaoke systems with amplifiers on the street within “acceptable” volume limits from Monday to Sunday until 12 midnight, provided they first secure a permit from their concerned barangay (village) chief.

The applicant must fill out an application form provided by the barangay and file it with the barangay at least five working days before the actual date of the function. The form should include the following information: the nature of the intended activity, the type of audio device to be used, the specific location where the device will be used, and the period of time during which the device will be operated.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said the ordinance seeks to protect residents and the general public from serious discomfort and health hazards posed by the unregulated use of videokes, karaokes and amplified sound systems within residences and on the streets.

The primary enforcers of the ordinance are the barangay officials and authorities and the Makati City Police.