Before 9 a.m. and beyond 10 p.m.: Cordova to punish loud KTV singing

CEBU, Philippines — Effective last May 14, those living in Cordova town are prohibited from singing loud via videoke machine and similar devices after the town council approved Ordinance No. 2024-125 otherwise known as "An Ordinance Regulating the Use of Karaoke Television Machine (KTV), Sound System and Other Similar Devices in the Household Level in the Municipality of Cordova".

Section 4 of the ordinance states that any household may use a KTV, sound system or other similar device provided they comply with the following conditions:

Using KTV, sound system or any similar device not earlier than 9 a.m. and not later than 10 p.m.

Time beyond 10 p.m. is allowed only on December 24, December 31, August 15 (the town’s bisperas), August 16 (the town’s fiesta), and on the feast day of a particular barangay, provided that it shall only be up to 2 a.m.

The volume of said device must not exceed 90 decibels throughout the duration of use.

Penalty for violators include a strong verbal warning for the first offense wherein authorities must record the date, time, and place of the violation.

Second offense will merit a ?1,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than one month, or both, upon the discretion of the court. It shall also merit non-issuance of a barangay clearance by the concerned barangay, or a business permit to any member of the erring household, unless the fine is settled.

Third offense will merit a ?2,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than two months, or both, upon the discretion of the court.

Municipal Councilor Remar Baguio, who authored the ordinance, said Cordova recognizes the privilege of people to celebrate during special occasions but they shouldn’t go overboard.

“Such celebration or whatever reasons for putting up this noise-inducing device has to be tempered with a sense of responsibility and respect to one's neighbors in such a way that a peaceful co-existence between and among them is not compromised nor jeopardized. Otherwise, it could result to verbal conflict or even violence in a neighborhood,” part of the ordinance read.

Part of the explanatory noted stated that merrymaking and festivity are part of Filipino culture.

“All these are acceptable and understandable as long as it is used responsibly and cannot in one way or another invade into the privacy of other persons' homes, more particularly at the expense of one's desire to sleep,” the ordinance further read.

Anyone complaining of loud KTV music may seek the assistance of Barangay Public Safety Officer (BPSO) and/or the police. — (FREEMAN)