Makati bans loud music

MANILA, Philippines - Makati City has regulated the use of karaokes and videokes in its residential areas and streets.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. signed City Ordinance No. 2011-019 to protect residents and the general public from discomfort and health hazards posed by “unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise” with the unregulated use of videokes, karaokes and amplified sound systems within residences and on the streets. 

“Excessive loudness has become a common cause of disputes among neighbors, as some residents tend to take for granted the well-being of others and think only of their own enjoyment. If we are to maintain peace and order in our communities, we have to seriously implement this ordinance, and we are counting on our barangay chiefs for its effective enforcement throughout Makati,” Binay said.

Under the ordinance, a permit will have to be secured from the barangay captain before anyone can use videoke and karaoke machines in the streets.

An application form provided by the barangay should be filed at least five working days before the actual date of the function. The nature of the intended activity, type of audio device to be used, specific location where the device will be used and period of time during which the device will be operated should be provided.

It is also unlawful for any person to make or cause to be made any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud sound which “annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of others within the city.”

The ordinance however allows residents to use or operate videoke or karaoke systems with amplifiers on the street – within “acceptable” volume limits.

The use of videokes and karaokes is not allowed within 200 meters of a school or place of worship, during the hours of school or worship, or within 200 meters of any hospital or other institutions caring for the sick or infirm.

Likewise, the barangay shall not issue a permit on the use or operation of such devices in areas where it will pose serious hazard to the safety and comfort of pedestrians or motorists, or deprive the public of reasonable right to safe and peaceful enjoyment of any public street or other public place.

A verbal order to stop or turn down the volume would be issued on the first offense. If the violation is deemed excessive, the offending person or groups will be charged accordingly.

Violators of the ordinance will be penalized with a P1,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

Acts that are declared to be unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise under the ordinance include the “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.”