Parañaque to pols: Keep‘dangerous’ noise down

MANILA, Philippines – Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez has reminded local candidates to keep levels of “dangerous” noise down during campaign rallies and parties, especially during the wee hours of the night.

In a statement, he said he also ordered police officers to fully enforce the city’s noise pollution ordinance after residents of posh subdivisions complained about the noise produced by bands, karaoke machines and loudspeakers during fiestas.

The ordinance, passed in 2015, bars individuals and political parties from using sound systems, amplifiers and radio components that are “unreasonably” loud in public areas without a proper permit.

Olivarez said those who would like to use sound systems should secure the appropriate permit from the barangay at least three working days before the event.

The ordinance also states that sound systems can only be used until 10 p.m. and at least 10 meters away from a school, church, hospital or clinic.

Individual violators will be fined P20,000 and made to perform 20 hours of community service. Businesses will be fined P3,000 and may lose their permit to operate, depending on the recommendation of the anti-noise enforcement board.

The local campaign for this year’s elections will run from March 26 to May 7.