A labor group is pushing for a videoke ban, so those who are working from home and attending online classes would not be disturbed amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Associated Labor Unions (ALU) – Trade Union Congress of the Philippines spokesperson Alan Tanjusay explained that videoke noise is a disturbance for those studying or working online.
“Bawas stress din ang matahimik na lugar sa mga manggangawa at mga online students and teachers dahil hirap na nga silang makakuha ng signal… Ay dadagdagan pa ng ingay ng videoke o karaoke kaya malaking tulong po ang ganitong panukala,” he said.
Due to the restricted movement of people to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many are taking online classes or working from home.
The Cavite provincial government had earlier said that night-time videoke would be considered a violation of curfew hours.
“Sorry po ngunit 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,” said Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla.
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Videoke ban urged
Barangay Biluso in Silang, Cavite, has already implemented a videoke ban from Monday to Friday.
Playing loud music is also forbidden.
Residents of Biluso could only videoke every Saturday and Sunday, from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
In May 2018, a House of Representatives committee filed a bill to impose a videoke ban in the Philippines.
Authored by Congresswoman Angelina Tan, the bill aims to crack down on noise pollution caused by sound-amplifying equipment in residential areas.
She stressed that the bill was in line with President Duterte’s plan to impose a 10 pm karaoke or videoke ban.
Under the bill playing or operating or permitting either action of any radio, CD player, television set, amplified musical instrument, loudspeaker, videoke or karaoke system, or other sound-amplifying equipment shall only be allowed from 8 am until 10 pm.
Machines or devices audible at a distance of 50 feet away would be considered prima facie evidence of a violation.