A PROPOSED ordinance is up in the Benguet capital town regulating excessive loud soundings generated from amplified audio devices.
La Trinidad Councilor Roderick Awingan said the ordinance covers all operations, all persons using amplified audio devices, which include karaoke, videoke and uncontrolled sounds in the valley.
The legislator, who chairs the committee on peace and order, said the creation of such unnecessary loud, prolonged sound is a detriment to public health, convenience, safety, welfare and prosperity.
"Making and creation of excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud sounds from videoke or karaoke systems, amplified audio devices beyond limits and at unacceptable levels during unholy hours causes serious discomfort and has created numerous complaints and public condemnation," said Awingan in the proposed measure.
Under the La Trinidad Amplified Audio Devices Ordinance, both the barangay and the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station are tasked to implement the provisions of the proposed ordinance.
Operations of amplified audio devices for private and public purposes, which include programs, wakes, campaigns, and celebration, should be done only upon securing a permit from the barangay that has jurisdiction over the area.
Awingan said activities may continue provided that they will de-amplify the volume or turn off the equipment used to deter complaint from neighboring areas, but no permit will be given allowing the use of excessive amplification of volume beyond 11 p.m.
The barangay is also not allowed to issue a permit for the use of audio devices, such as videoke and karaoke system, in any location within 200 meters of a school or work places, including hospitals.
Violators may face a fine of P1,000 for first offense, P1,500 for the second offense and P2,500 or imprisonment of not more than six months at the discretion of the court for the third and final offense.