THE CITY government of Legazpi in Albay has banned the use of karaoke and videoke machines during online classes.

Mayor Noel Rosal said the use of these machines will not be allowed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

“We have to intervene because the students, parents and teachers are complaining that loud videoke or karaoke singing sprees are affecting their online classes or their answering of modules during daytime,” Rosal said in a public advisory.

Since the start of classes, there have been multiple complaints regarding loud singing sessions from neighbors that distracted students from their online classes.

The city council is in the process of passing a city ordinance that will regulate the use of karaoke and videoke machines.

Councilor Al Barizo, chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and sponsor of the ordinance, said the proposed ordinance would not only ban karaoke singing from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. but also from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.

“We will pass this ordinance next week because we want to ensure uninterrupted learning of our students during their online class activities,” Barizo said.

The ordinance will impose penalties on violators, he said.