Clarifications on proposed anti-noise ordinance sought

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council's Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy endorsed the proposed comprehensive anti-noise ordinance while calling for several provisions to be clarified before its passage and implementation.

Chaired by Councilor Joel Garganera, the environment committee recommended approval of the proposed measure authored by Councilor Paul Labra and Liga ng mga Barangay president and ex-officio Councilor Franklyn Ong.

However, the body also flagged several provisions that it said must be clarified to avoid confusion and ensure consistent enforcement once the ordinance takes effect.

Among the committee's main concerns are the proposed noise standards, which currently use decibel ranges rather than a single enforceable limit.

The panel said the ordinance should clearly identify the applicable compliance threshold for each area classification and time period to prevent varying interpretations among enforcement officers.

The committee also recommended clearer distinctions between activities that require permits, those that are exempt from permit requirements, and those that should remain prohibited regardless of permits issued by the city.

It urged lawmakers to reconcile provisions allowing certain activities to continue until 2 a.m. with restrictions on quiet hours and permissible noise levels.

Another key recommendation was the designation of a lead coordinating office to oversee implementation and enforcement.

While the proposed ordinance empowers barangays, the Cebu City Police Office, Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Health Department, Cebu City Traffic Office, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, and the Office of the Building Official to enforce the measure, the committee said their respective roles should be more clearly defined to avoid overlapping responsibilities.

The panel also sought clearer rules on the temporary securing or disabling of sound-producing equipment, including the circumstances under which such action may be taken, the personnel authorized to do so, documentation requirements, and procedures for the return of equipment.

The committee emphasized that permanent confiscation or forfeiture should remain subject to a lawful court order or action by a competent authority.

The committee also said a comprehensive anti-noise ordinance is necessary to address noise pollution, protect residential communities and noise-sensitive establishments, and provide a uniform basis for enforcement throughout Cebu City.

It added that the proposed legislation is consistent with the city's authority to protect public health, public safety, peace and order, and environmental quality.

The proposed ordinance seeks to consolidate and repeal six existing city ordinances regulating noise, some of which date back several decades. These include ordinances covering excessive noise, videoke operations, modified mufflers, and noise restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 public health emergency.

If enacted, the measure would establish a single regulatory framework covering noise generated by karaoke and videoke machines, loudspeakers, entertainment establishments, public events, construction and demolition activities, vehicular sound systems, roaming advertisements, and other noise-producing activities.

It would also introduce a Special Noise Permit system for activities that exceed prescribed limits or operate during restricted hours, subject to approval by the city government and endorsement from the concerned barangay.

Under the proposal, violations may carry penalties of up to P5,000, imprisonment of up to 10 days, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Business establishments and event organizers may also face suspension or revocation of permits after due process. — /MRM (FREEMAN)