Holding videoke sessions and playing loud music are no longer allowed in Navotas City during school days in order not to distract students attending online classes.
This came after the city council passed City Ordinance No. 2020-41, prohibiting such activities, except from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. of Sunday and during holidays, in the city.
"Operation of radio, television set, musical instruments, and other machines or devices that produce sounds that can annoy, distract and disturb students is also prohibited," the local government added.
City officials passed the measure after receiving "a number of complaints regarding neighbors who use videoke and other machines that produce loud sounds during school hours."
"This makes it difficult for our students to listen to their teachers and concentrate on their studies,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
"Videoke or karaoke sessions are pleasures in life that we must sacrifice for now. COVID-19 has made our life difficult. Let us help one another overcome any hardship that the pandemic has brought upon us, even if this means foregoing pastimes to help our students learn better," he added.
Under the ordinance, violators shall be meted with P250, P500 and P1,500 fines for their first, second and third offense, respectively.
The ban on these activities will only be lifted once face-to-face classes resume.