Palace leaves karaoke ban to LGUs
Malacañang left to the discretion of local government units (LGUs) the fate of karaoke after Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla banned its use due to the number of karaoke-related complaints amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained that what Remulla did was within his powers as governor of the province of Cavite.
"That's a legitimate exercise of local government power," he said.
Roque cited Article 694 of the New Civil Code or the provision about the abatement of nuisance.
"Ang malakas na pagbi-videoke is a form of nuisance o nakakairita (Using karaokes loudly is a for of nuisance. It is irritating)," he said.
"Yung abatement of nuisance po nasa kamay po 'yan ng lokal na pamahalaan (Abatement of nuisance is in the hands of the local government)," he added.
In a Facebook post, Remulla said that they have received numerous complaints about the abuse of karaoke, saying it became the favorite pasttime of people who have nothing to do from night until dawn.
Remulla said that the noise karaoke makes is a violation of their curfew hours even if the activity is not done outside one's residence.
"Kahit sabihin ninyo pang kayo ay nasa loob naman ng inyong tahanan, ang ingay na dulot nito ay maituturing na labag na sa tinakdang curfew hours (Even if your excuse is that you are using it inside your house, the noise it creates can be considered as a violation of curfew hours)," he said.
"Kung ayaw ninyong matulog ng maaga, puwes magpatulog naman kayo! Matutong rumespeto sa mga kalapit bahay na kailangang gumising ng 4 a.m. (tulad ko) (If you don't want to sleep then let others sleep. Respect your neighbors who have to wake up at 4 a.m. like me)," he added.
Remulla reminded his constituents that there is a hotline that people can use to report noise pollution. He, however, said he told the police to talk to the accused individuals first. In case they refuse, Remulla said the police can escalate the noise pollution to disobedience to authority.
Upon his election to the presidency, President Duterte said karaoke sessions are noise pollution that should be stamped out by local officials as it disturbs the neighborhood.