PRO-7 supports ban of videoke

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 supports the plan to prohibit the use of videoke machines beyond 10 p.m. as this would be a deterrent to crimes.

"Okay na siya. It will create a peaceful environment. If there is a law, the police cannot do anything but to enforce it," Superintendent Reyman Tolentin, spokesperson of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) said.

Last week, the House of Representatives started discussing House Bill No. 1035 filed by Quezon Representative Angelina Tan which prohibits videoke machines and other noise amplifying equipment to operate beyond 10 p.m.

Violators will have to pay a fine of P1,000 or face six months imprisonment.

Tolentin explained that videoke alone does not cause harm but if they drink while singing, it would sometimes result in fight or even murder.

"Ang videoke dili na siya ingun maka cause og away. Pero kung makainom na,  mao na na naa'y away," Tolentin said.

The use of videoke machines until late night sometimes results in more alarms that the police need to respond, which usually come from neighbors who are disturbed of the noise.

"Ang nakamaayo kung naa limit nga 10:00, dili madisturbo ang mga silingan. Di na magsige reklamo, kay pulis ra man pud huwaton kung wala'y oras, inig wala na'y police balik na pud," Tolentin said.

But Tolentin pointed out that the proposed fine in the House Bill is too low and people might not take the ban seriously.

But he warned those who are constant offenders that they might have a hard time getting important government documents because of their record in the local police.

"Gamay ra na ang P1,000, pero at least makasuhan siya and kung makasuhan na pud so ma-recidivist siya sige siya balik-balik ana nga offense. Usa na sa mga negative aspect maglisud na siya kuha important documents," Tolentin said. (FREEMAN)