In response to a surge of noise complaints from residents, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan has mandated a strict crackdown on late-night videoke sessions and public drinking. The move aims to enforce long-standing city ordinances that have often been ignored.
Council Resolution Spurs Action
The mayor's directive is backed by a formal resolution from City Councilor Joseph Pangutangan, dated November 19, 2025. The resolution calls on the city's executive department and all barangay officials to fully implement existing rules on noise control and public order.
Key agencies tasked with enforcement include the Philippine National Police (PNP), the City Traffic Management System, the tourism police, and all barangay captains. The scope of the order also covers maintaining quiet zones near critical establishments like hospitals, churches, schools, and courts.
Strict Curfew for Karaoke and Outdoor Events
At the heart of the crackdown are at least two specific city laws: City Ordinance 117-2002 and City Ordinance 226. These laws explicitly prohibit the operation of karaoke, videoke, and similar sound machines beyond 10 p.m..
Outdoor discos and similar events are also regulated and must not exceed 1 a.m. In a Facebook post on Sunday, December 7, 2025, Mayor Chan declared, "We will tighten the implementation of the ordinance." She emphasized that the curfew is essential to avoid disturbing neighbors and to ensure workers and students get proper rest.
"Our hope is for residents to have peace and for people to truly get proper rest at the right time," Chan added. "No one is exempt from this, including those good singers and bad singers."
How to Report and Expanded Crackdown on Mufflers
Mayor Chan urged the public to actively report violations to their local barangay officials or by dialing the national 911 emergency hotline. Enforcement will largely be complaint-driven, targeting neighborhood disturbances rather than commercial zones.
Beyond videoke, the administration will also intensify efforts against motorcycles with illegally altered or "bora-bora" mufflers, citing City Ordinance 13-212-2016. The ordinance targets excessive noise, especially at night, often caused by installing oversized mufflers—like a 400cc muffler on a 150cc bike.
The penalties for violating the muffler ordinance are steep:
- First offense: A fine of ₱1,000.
- Second offense: A fine of ₱3,000 and possible confiscation of driver's license.
- Third offense: A fine of ₱5,000, potential imprisonment, and license confiscation.
This comprehensive enforcement drive highlights the city government's commitment to restoring peace, quiet, and public order in its communities.
