Bill seeks karaoke ban after 10 p.m.

Bill seeks karaoke ban after 10 p.m.

 Filipinos may bid goodbye to late-night karaoke singing. That’s if a bill seeking to ban the use of karaoke systems beyond 10 in the evening becomes law.

Filed by Quezon Representative Angelina Tan, the bill prohibits use of loud musical instruments, and other sound-amplifying equipment past 10 p.m.

Violators may be punished with a fine of one thousand pesos and/or face imprisonment of not more than six months.

The license of businesses that violate may also be revoked.

Filipino pastime

Karaoke singing is a favorite Filipino pastime.

But for someone like Mikko Samonte, it is more than a pastime — it’s a diversion. He said it’s even a work stress-reliever.

 “Pag stress ka sa work, tanggal stress. Bonding bonding pag may time,” he said.

[Translation: If you’re exhausted from work, it’s a good way to ease stress. It’s also a way to bond with friends if you have time.]

Just like Samonte, many resort to videoke to celebrate an accomplishment, or to overcome depression — sometimes, until the wee hours of the morning.

At times, however, karaoke singing becomes a nuisance — causing annoyance and stress to many. Worse, the celebration leads to conflict and fistfight — and barangay officials are confirming this.

“Karamihang reklamo hindi nakakatulog,” Barangay Batasan Secretary Edwin Misolas said.

“Nagkakaroon din ng nag-aaway lalong-lalo na sa beerhouse,” Misolas added.

[Translation: Most complain of difficulty sleeping… There are also arguments especially when situations turn rowdy.]

Some don’t see problems with the proposal, including Samonte.

But some businesses said banning karaoke by 10 p.m. will result in losses.

“Kasi minsan pumapasok 9 o’clock na. Iba ‘di pa tapos tumagay ng dalawa, tapos na kanta,” karaoke business owner Jasmin Trogo said.

[Translation: Sometimes people come in at 9 o’clock in the evening. Some are not even finished drinking a bottle or two, then the singing would already be over.]

Karaoke business owners like Trogo suggest extending the cap to 12 midnight, especially during weekends.