Navotas inks ordinance banning videoke during school days

Navoteños are not allowed to hold videoke and karaoke sessions during school days to prevent loud noises from distracting students who are taking classes at home.

The City Government of Navotas passed City Ordinance No. 2020-41, which temporarily banned the use of videoke and karaoke machines, and other equipment or devices that that could make loud sounds and disturbing noises.

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.

“We have received 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.

The use of videoke, karaoke and other sound-producing machines and devices is allowed on holidays and Sundays, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Under the ordinance, first and second-time violators will be fined P250 and P500, respectively. Third and succeeding offenses will be levied with a P1,500 penalty.

The ban will be lifted once face-to-face classes resume.