By Jerry J. Alcayde Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro – This city has officially ordered a ban on the use of videoke machines and other sound-amplifying equipment after 10 in the evening, except during declared public fiestas, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan said authorities will closely monitor residential and commercial areas and even agricultural communities which are covered by City Ordinance No. 13 passed by the City Council last year which limits the use / operation of videoke machines and similar sound systems from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. First time violators will face a fine of P1,000. A second offense will mean a fine of P2,000 and suspension of the business operation of the establishment and P3,000 for the third offense which could result to the revocation or cancellation of the permit and confiscation of the videoke machine. In non-residential zones, people can play their sound systems even on Friday and Saturday nights until 12 midnight, provided that the volume of their videoke will not exceed 60 decibels. Videoke sessions are allowed until to 2 a.m. in enclosed rooms of entertainment establishments, provided that after 10 p.m., the volume shall not exceed 30 decibels. Exempted also from the ordinance are public activities such as barangay, city and provincial fiestas and founding anniversaries and events organized by government and private entities sanctioned by the city government. Panaligan said excessive and unusually loud sounds during the wee hours causes serious discomfort and is detrimental to public health, convenience, safety and welfare of city residents.