Valenzuela City Hall
MANILA – The city government of Valenzuela announced Wednesday that it has amended some of its ordinances to tighten its health safety standards and protocols in communities.
The city government has extended the videoke ban through Ordinance No. 850 Series of 2021 or the "The Videoke and Other Devices of Similar Nature Regulatory Ordinance."
Under the ordinance, the residents are prohibited to use videoke machines and other similar devices from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., in consideration of the college students who are yet to finish their online classes at night.
"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all classes are now held online to keep students safe in their homes and thus require a conducive learning environment for studying," the city said. "Use of videoke machines is also banned from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. of the following day from Mondays to Sundays.”
It also prohibits the use of stereo, karaoke, cassette, radio player, sound amplifying equipment, and similar musical devices in all residential and socialized housing areas as defined and outlined in the "Comprehensive Use and Zoning Ordinance of Valenzuela City."
Liquor ban
Meanwhile, the city government has amended the ordinance on liquor selling in Valenzuela.
"To also help restaurants and related businesses, the relaxation of the restrictions on the sale and distribution of liquor will help establishments boost their sales and cope with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic," it said.
The sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages has been relaxed from 10 a.m.-5 a.m. to 12 a.m.-4 a.m.
Under the amendment, ordinance no. 851 s.2021 or the "Liquor Regulation During Pandemic Ordinance" also removes the maximum limit on the number of alcoholic beverages that can be purchased by an individual.
The city’s rules and regulations under “Stay Sober Ordinance” will remain, including ban on the sale of liquor or alcoholic beverages to minors and pregnant women as well as banning individuals from drinking in public places, holding a "Tagay System", and public drunkenness.
Pedicab capacity increased
The city government has also increased the passenger capacity in pedicabs.
Under the local ordinance no 840 s.2021 or the “Health Safety Standards in Tricycles, Pedicabs, and E-Trikes,” pedicab drivers are now allowed to operate with one side passenger and one back-ride passenger.
However, minors and senior citizens are not allowed in the back-ride seat to ensure their safety.
The city said the minimum health standards will remain in placed such as wearing of face masks and face shields and physical distancing.
It also recommends the pedicab drivers install a non-permeable transparent barrier or a do-it-yourself transparent divider in their vehicles. (PNA)
