Filipinos sound off over karaoke 'pollution'

MANILA - "It's more fun in the Philippines," the country's official tourism tag line runs. Indeed, the country has the good weather, pristine beaches and warm, welcoming faces of its people.

But the country may soon become a lot quieter when a congressional panel opens discussions this week on a bill seeking to regulate the use of karaoke in an unprecedented move that will likely see enthusiasts complain of government overreach.

Sparked by an increasing number of cases of "karaoke rage", lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban it after 10 pm.

The proposed bill, filed by District Representative Angelina Tan, claims that karaoke has become a major source of noise in residential areas across the country.

In her explanatory note, Tan said the measure seeks to address the problem of noise pollution and protect the health of Filipinos.

"The excessive sound, vibration and inadequately controlled noise are serious hazards to health and safety, and is a source of annoyance to the populace," Tan said.

Karaoke has been a problem in music-loving Philippines in recent decades. Some of the country's thousands of karaoke bars, cafes and restaurants have witnessed a number of killings that were reportedly provoked by offkey renditions and disputes over songs such as Frank Sinatra's My Way.

There have also been several reported cases of karaoke enthusiasts being assaulted by neighbors for singing until the early hour.

Filipinos are known for their love of karaoke, and almost every home has a digital Magic Sing microphone that turns a television into a karaoke machine.

Machines can also be rented for 800 pesos ($15) for 24 hours.

Scores of noisy KTV bars have sprouted in residential areas, especially in the capital Manila, forcing some residents to move out of their apartments.

If the bill eventually becomes law, it will make ban the use of karaoke or video machines, or other sound-amplifying devices that cause "unnecessary disturbance to the public", especially during early hours.

Under the proposal, they will only be allowed from 8 am to 10 pm.

"Everywhere in the Philippines, many local residents or groups are accustomed to utilizing public streets or road sides to gain wider area for a private activity or function, often making use of videoke or karaoke systems, amplified audio devices sheltered or collapsible tents as form of amusement, recreation or for private audience," the bill says.

It added that the noises created by these devices have caused "serious discomfort and have created numerous complaints and public condemnation as they are detrimental to public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare and prosperity of the general public".

Any person or establishments violating the law will be slapped with a fine of 1,000 pesos or imprisonment of not more than six months or both, according the proposal.

Xinhua

(China Daily 03/18/2018 page10)