Manila City government has banned the use of karaoke and videoke machines as well as other sound-producing devices disturbing the communities in the nation’s capital from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said he passed the ordinance upon receiving multiple complaints from parents of students whose online classes were “disturbed by neighbors using karaoke machines” since the school year opened on Monday, October 5.
Ordinance No. 8688 was signed together with City Council Majority Floor Leader Joel Chua and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan.
Face-to-face classes in both public and private schools across the country were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the Education department to shift to a “blended distance learning” mode.
Under the ordinance, first-time offenders will be penalized with a P1,000 fine, while second offenders will be fined P2,000. Violators committing the act for the third and succeeding offenses will be fined P3,000.
“All barangay officials and police offers are hereby tasked to implement this ordinance. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval,” the measure read.
Meanwhile, the city government of Manila has unveiled the redeveloped Anda Circle in Port Area, showcasing a multicolored and multi-patterned dancing fountain seen as another attraction in the city.
Domagoso led the inauguration on Wednesday evening, which was attended by representatives from the private and public sectors who contributed to its development.
He said the local government continuously collaborates with the Department of Tourism in reviving and protecting whatever is left with regards to heritage and tourism spots in the nations’ capital.
“It is our continuing effort to work hand-in-hand with the national government with regard to the plan of Sec. Berna Romulo to create a tourism rail, heritage trail in the City of Manila coming from Luneta National Park to National Museum to City Hall to Post Office, Bonifacio Shrine then Jones Bridge then Intramuros then they can end up here in Anda Circle or the other way around,” Domagoso said.
He added that in case tourists get hungry from touring the place, they can just cross the river where Chinatown is located and where restaurants abound.
Domagoso expressed his gratitude to the Asian Terminal, Inc. (ATI) which contributed much to the redevelopment of the Anda Circle.
William Khoury, executive vice president of ATI, said the company is one with Manila in its vision of a new and better city and in promoting culture and history.