MANILA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- "It's more fun in the Philippines," the country's official tourism tag line runs. Indeed, the Philippines has the good weather, pristine beaches and warm welcoming faces of its people.
But it is still a little bit noisy in the Philippines because widespread use of karaoke in the country has caused noise pollution, especially in ungodly hours, and has become a source of annoyance to the populace.
A Philippine congressional panel opened discussions this week on a bill seeking to regulate the use of karaoke in an unprecedented move that will likely see karaoke enthusiasts complain of government overreach.
Sparked by an increasing number of cases of karaoke rage, Philippine lawmakers are considering a proposal to ban the use of karaoke after 10 p.m. local time.
The proposed bill, filed by Rep. Angelina Tan, notes that the use of videoke or karaoke system has become a major source of noice in residential areas in the Philippines.
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 the 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-filled bars, cafes and restaurants witnessed a number of killings that were reportedly provoked by karaoke versions of Frank Sinatra's My Way.
There have also been several reported cases of karaoke enthusiasts being assaulted by their neighbors for singing until the wee hours of the morning.
Filipinos indeed love karaoke. In fact, almost every Philippine home has digital Magic Sing microphone that turns television into a karaoke machine.
In the Philippines, a karaoke machine can be rented for 800 pesos (roughly 15 U.S. dollars) for a 24-hour use. Scores of noisy KTV bars have sprouted in residential areas, especially in the Philippine capital of Manila that serve food and drinks, forcing some residents to move out of their apartments.
If the bill eventually becomes a law, it will make illegal the use of karaoke of video machines, or other sound-amplifying devices that cause "unnecessary disturbance to the public" especially during ungodly hours.
Under the proposed bill, playing or operating of radios, CD players, TV sets, amplified musical instruments, drums, loudspeakers, videoke or karaoke systems, or any other similar sound-amplifying equipment will only be allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m local time.
"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 says the noises created by these devices have caused "serious discomfort and has 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 (roughly 19 U.S. dollars) or an imprisonment of not more than six months or both, according the proposed bill.
For succeeding offence, the bill imposes that both penalties shall apply in addition to the revocation of the license to operate a business.
