TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – Christmas revelers, party goers and event hosts are reminded that Cavite’s “Noise Ordinance” is in effect prohibiting excessive noise from videoke or karaoke systems and other amplified audio devices within residential areas and along public streets and roads in the province with the corresponding sanctions for violators.
Amid the festive Christmas celebrations, provincial officials are reminding the public and constituents of the existing Provincial Ordinance No. 166, or the “Noise Ordinance,” which is effective the whole year even during the Yuletide Season.
The ordinance authored by Provincial Board Member Kerby Salazar was passed and signed by the Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla, Vice-Governor Jolo Revilla and the 17 Provincial Board Members last March this year and has been enforced throughout the province.
Board Member Salazar said the provincial legislators defined excessive sounds from videoke/ karaoke systems and other amplified audio devices as noise which more often causes serious discomfort resulting in numerous complaints and public disapproval.
The provincial law provides any user of the videoke/karaoke system to secure a permit from their respective barangays at least two days before their scheduled activity and reminds the user that corresponding penalties shall apply for violators of the ordinance.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Cavite provincial Director Allan Benitez said that village chiefs and barangay tanods (village watchmen) are conducting their adequate information dissemination and awareness campaign on the “Noise Ordinance” in their localities.
Benitez said that with constant reminders and the information drive, the village leaders expect no complaints from their constituents in the residential and affected areas.
Barangay local government units are bound not to allow issuing permit for the intended activity to be held within the 100 meters from the public offices, places of worship, hospitals, schools and educational institutions.
Also, playing time of the said system shall only be allowed in residential areas from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and in other permitted areas from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on Friday and Saturday evening when the operation of the sound system or equipment shall be allowed until midnight.
Fiesta celebrations and other special holidays extend the operation of such equipment until 12 midnight.
Penalties for violators cover a verbal order to cease or abate the loud sounds generated from the sound system for first offense; a fine of PHP 500 or even imprisonment of not more than ten days or both at the discretion of the court for the second offense; and a fine of PHP 1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both at the discretion of the court, for the third offense. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)
