Baguio City’s Silent Night Ordinance

Baguio City, known for its pleasant weather and stunning vistas, also prioritizes peace and quiet through its Silent Night Ordinance. Under Ordinance Number 44 Series of 2018, the City of Baguio has outlined certain regulations to control noise pollution, particularly during night hours. This article presents a detailed guide to help residents and visitors understand this local regulation.

Prohibited Acts

The Silent Night Ordinance defines clear rules to curb excessive noise during specific hours:

1. Excessive Noise: It is illegal to create or cause excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud sounds from audio devices within residential areas, subdivisions, and public streets in Baguio City from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This is to ensure that citizens can have peaceful, undisturbed sleep.
2. Videokes or Karaokes: The use of videoke or karaoke systems, popular local pastimes, is allowed only until midnight. However, residents must obtain a permit from the Punong Barangay (Barangay Chairperson) at least five days before the intended use and commit to maintaining their volume at acceptable levels.
3. Nearby Sensitive Areas: Loud sounds, music, or noises are not tolerated within a 200-meter radius from schools, places of worship, and hospitals. This rule ensures these areas remain peaceful and conducive to their respective purposes.

Exceptions

There are specific occasions and periods when the regulations of the Silent Night Ordinance are relaxed:

1. Christmas Holiday Season: This exemption applies from December 16 to January 2 of the following year, provided schools have declared their respective Christmas Holidays.
2. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day Celebrations: Exceptions are also made for these holidays, along with other local and national holidays.
3. Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga Celebration: This popular local festival also constitutes an exemption.
4. Wakes: Noise regulations are relaxed during wakes, provided that the provisions of Section 3 shall be complied with.
5. Other Occasions: The Punong Barangay may declare other occasions as exceptions, provided the provisions of Section 3 shall be complied with.

Penalties

Those who violate the Silent Night Ordinance will first receive a verbal warning or order to reduce noise. If the violation is excessive, they can be fined or imprisoned:

• 1st Offense: A fine of PHP 1,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
• 2nd Offense: A fine of PHP 3,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
• 3rd Offense: A fine of PHP 5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

By understanding and adhering to the Silent Night Ordinance, both residents and visitors can contribute to maintaining the peace and quiet that Baguio City is cherished for. Not only does this ensure a restful environment for everyone, but it also prevents offenders from facing fines or imprisonment.

SOURCE: Ordinance Number 44 Series of 2018