Filipinos love karaoke. Whether it’s a random desire to sing or in celebration of a special occasion, we always find time to sing.
Just last night, as I was doing my last check of e-mails and messages, I heard a familiar voice saying a combination of numbers. It was the karaoke machine. Soon after, someone begins to sing Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours. That’s actually a slow, gentle song. If it’s your thing, you might as well put it on your playlist for sleep. But it’s not really a nice song to hear when you hear it sung at the karaoke at 12 a.m. What makes it more annoying, though, is the fact that it was a Tuesday. Who sings at the karaoke at midnight in a residential area on a weekday, right? Maybe some insensitive people.
That is a common problem we encounter in many neighborhoods, but the government is planning to resolve that issue once and for all.
According to a report from Inquirer, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Safety has been talking about a new bill that limits the use of any sound-amplifying equipment like karaoke machines, televisions, radios, etc. from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only.
Proposed by Quezon 4th District Rep. Angelina Tan, House Bill No. 1035 or “An Act Prohibiting the use of Videoke/Karaoke systems and Other Sound Amplifying Equipment that Cause Unnecessary Disturbance to the Public within the Residential Areas, and Providing Penalties Therefor” aims to prevent any adverse health and social effects of such noise. “[Noise pollution] has not only caused quarrels and divisions among our neighborhoods but also death to some individuals,” Tan said.
Under the new bill, violators would need to pay a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months. There will also be no special permits even for those who are celebrating special occasions. While the bill is not final yet, this is the first step to a more peaceful neighborhood and sleep.
We may not be able to enjoy late night sing-along activities especially at home soon, but remember there are many places designed for this activity. Or maybe you should consider sound-proofing your home. So, this bill doesn’t really end the fun.
Header image courtesy of That Thing Called Tadhana, grabbed from Inquirer.net
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