‘Silent Night’ in the City of Pines

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading the proposed ordinance declaring it unlawful for any person to make or cause excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud sounds from audio devices within residential areas and public streets from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

City Councilor Edgar Avila proposed the so-called ‘Silent Night’ ordinance to afford residents and guests time to rest at night.

“Unreasonably loud noise” is described in the ordinance as the operation, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, CD player, television set, amplified musical instrument, drums, loudspeaker, videoke or karaoke system, or other sound producing devise in such manner or with such volume so as to annoy the quiet and comfort of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities in any dwelling or residence or with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing of the persons who are in the place where such devise is operated.

The ordinance states that using videoke or karaoke machines, a favorite local pastime, may be allowed until 12 midnight, provided that the resident concerned would secure a permit from the barangay chairman five days before the intended use and commit to keep their volume to “acceptable” levels.

It adds that loud sound, music or noises will not be tolerated in places within 200 meters of schools, places of worship, and hospitals.

Violators will be warned and then fined from 11,000 to 15,000 and may face imprisonment of up to six months.

The ordinance said that people go home in the evening tired from the day’s work or after school and expect an evening of rest, peaceful bliss or good nights’ sleep amid the city’s cool climate.

It further said that more often, loud sound from a neighbor’s residence causes disagreements which at times result to violence, injury, and even death.

The proposal also said that people are deprived of their well-deserved peace because of rowdy, noisy parties or gatherings in the neighborhood, and neighbors and strangers who take for granted the well-being of others and think only of their own enjoyment, thus, the need to effectively and efficiently address the basic community concern.