SJ councilor seeks to curb noise pollution

A councilor of San Juan has recently filed an ordinance aimed at minimizing, if not totally eradicate, loud and unnecessary noise brought about by amplifiers of public utility vehicles, videoke bars and even birthday parties.

According to the ordinance filed by Councilor Dante Santiago, entitled "An ordinance Regulating Noise and its Sources and Providing Penalties for its Violation and for other purposes in the municipality of San Juan," the municipality has received several complaints from the commuters against drivers of public transports playing amplified music even late at night and even during the wee hours of the morning.

The ordinance seeks penalties on violators making any loud, unnecessary and unusual noise that disturbs the peace with a fine of P250 to P500 once it is approved by the council.

Santiago said loud music even at nightspots, video, karaoke bars, beerhouse and birthday parties cause unnecessary noise and build up.

"Some entertainment activities and the noise from the loud stereo systems and horns of PUJ’s disturb many residents who are entitled to a much-needed rest at night," Santiago said.

Santiago said studies have shown that noise beyond the length of hearing endurance can disturb sleep, affect children’s schoolwork and employee work performance.

"The hearing sensitivity of passengers of public utility vehicles playing loud music will be affected because of constant exposure to noise, including excessively amplified music, and at the same time has been proven to be the cause irritability, heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, high blood pressure and possibly heart disease among people."

In the Philippine setting, he said, the daily noise pollution is often produced by the unusual loud playing of stereo or sound systems, continued blowing of horns for more than three seconds, and the use of specialized or modified mufflers or exhaust systems that produce loud noises by private vehicles and PUVs, especially motorcycles.

"When blown, unusually loud horns startle and surprise motorists and pedestrians."

Santiago said that there was a need for an ordinance that will contain a general prohibition against noise that is a nuisance to the public and one that will set out specific guidelines for the level of noise allowable at certain times of the day and night for certain activities.

He stressed that San Juan municipal government wants to protect and promote the right of every resident for a quiet and peaceful environment devoid of unnecessary noise at all times, especially at night when everyone wants to rest after a hard day’s work.