THE CITIES of Valenzuela and Antipolo had passed ordinances banning the use of videoke and karaoke machines during class hours.

In Valenzuela, Ordinance No. 800 Series of 2020 bars the use of karaoke, videoke and the playing of loud music on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from Monday to Sunday, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The use of amplifying equipment in non-commercial spaces is also prohibited.

Meanwhile in Antipolo, Mayor Andrea Ynares signed an ordinance that also prohibits the use of videoke machines and other ‘sound-producing devices’  that tend to disturb distance learning.

Ordinance No. 202-964 only allows the use of these devices from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Ito ay upang maiwasan ang pag-iingay at mabawasan ang distractions habang nagkaklase ang mga estudyante sa kanilang mga tahanan, at makapagpahinga naman nang tahimik sa gabi ang lahat lalo na ang mga magulang na galing sa trabaho at paghahanapbuhay,” the mayor said.

Violators of the ordinance will be fined P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense and P5,000 or imprisonment for six months for the third offense.

Ynares ordered the police and barangay officials to implement the ordinance.

The cities of Manila and Navotas earlier passed ordinances banning the use of videoke and karaoke machines during class hours.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government urged local government units to pass ordinances prohibiting the playing of loud music so that students would not be distracted in their distance learning.