Lapu-Lapu tightens anti-noise rules as holidays approach

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City residents may look forward to the holiday season, but the local government is reminding everyone to keep celebrations responsible and considerate—particularly during nighttime.

City Councilor Joseph Pangatungan issued the reminder after the City Council ordered the strict enforcement of existing ordinances regulating noise, amid growing complaints from residents, tourists, and business owners. The measures cover disturbances ranging from loud karaoke sessions to excessively noisy motorcycle mufflers.

Pangatungan said the city respects the tradition of lively celebrations during Christmas and New Year but stressed that noise-related ordinances remain in effect.

“Kung walay moreklamo, okay ra gyud,” he said. “Pero walay exemption. Once naa na gani’y moreklamo, mo-take effect dayon ang ordinances.”

“Ang council, nakasabot man sad sa kultura,” he added.

The councilor urged residents to celebrate responsibly and remain mindful of their neighbors to avoid causing disturbances. He also noted that barangay officials are closely coordinating with city authorities to respond promptly to complaints.

Pangatungan said establishments in tourism-heavy areas, particularly Barangay Maribago, have long raised concerns over persistent noise issues.

With numerous resorts, hotels, discos, and karaoke bars operating in the area, excessive noise has continued to be a problem.

“A few months ago, they already complained about all of these noises,” Pangatungan said, noting that tourists have reported disturbances during nighttime hours.

Under a resolution approved by the City Council, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, the City Traffic Management System, Tourism Police, and all barangay captains have been directed to intensify the enforcement of four long-standing city ordinances.

One of these is City Ordinance No. 117-2002, which requires karaoke, videoke, sing-along machines, and similar devices to stop operating by 10 p.m. Despite being in force for more than two decades, the ordinance remains among the most frequently violated, particularly in densely populated barangays.

The council also reiterated the implementation of City Ordinance No. 13-212-2016, or the “Anti-Bora Bora Ordinance,” which penalizes the use of modified motorcycle mufflers that emit excessive noise—a common source of disturbance in residential areas and tourism zones.

Pangatungan said motorcycle noise remains a major concern, especially along interior roads late at night.

“Daghan kaayo ta’g nadawat nga reklamo ana, mao nga giaksyonan gyud na,” he said.

Also covered is City Ordinance No. 446, which prohibits unnecessary noise such as blowing horns and ringing bells near hospitals, churches, schools, and courts to maintain designated “quiet zones.”

Meanwhile, organizers of fiestas and community gatherings were reminded to strictly comply with City Ordinance No. 226, which regulates outdoor discos and benefit dances. Under the ordinance, such activities must end no later than 1 a.m., with violators subject to immediate stoppage and sanctions.

City officials noted that despite the long-standing nature of these ordinances, complaints continue to pour in—ranging from karaoke sessions extending past midnight to motorcycles with loud mufflers waking residents in the early morning hours.

Hotels and other accommodation establishments have also warned that persistent noise disruptions negatively affect the experience of visitors staying in the city.

Pangatungan, the author of the resolution, said maintaining peace and public order is crucial as Lapu-Lapu City continues to promote itself as The Historic Resort City.

He emphasized that the renewed directive aims to ensure that noise-control policies are not “merely on paper,” but are consistently and fairly enforced across all barangays.

City officials expressed hope that stricter enforcement will help strike a balance between festive holiday celebrations and the need for an orderly environment—one that protects residents’ welfare while safeguarding the city’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.  — (FREEMAN)