Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan has announced a renewed crackdown on late-night videoke sessions, public drinking, and noisy motorcycles after multiple complaints from residents across the city.
The move comes as city officials seek to ensure a quieter environment for households and communities, particularly during nighttime hours.
The mayor’s directive follows a resolution authored by City Councilor Joseph Pangutangan on November 19, 2025.
The resolution urges the executive department and all barangays to strictly enforce existing city ordinances regulating noise, public drinking, and other disturbances that affect public order.
Pangutangan specifically instructed law enforcement units, the City Traffic Management System, tourism police, and barangay officials to actively monitor compliance with these rules.
Key elements of the enforcement include the observance of quiet zones around sensitive areas such as hospitals, schools, churches, and courts.
The resolution also specifies regulations for outdoor events, including discos and gatherings, which must conclude by 1 a.m. to prevent disturbances to neighboring communities.
Lapu-Lapu City has long had ordinances aimed at controlling noise, particularly from karaoke and videoke machines. City Ordinance 117-2002 and City Ordinance 226 both set a strict 10 p.m. cut-off for these devices, reflecting the local government’s effort to balance social activities with the need for residents to rest.
Chan reiterated the importance of compliance on her Facebook page on December 7, writing, “Pahugtan nato ang implementasyon sa ordinance.”
She added that observing the curfew is essential “to avoid disturbing neighbors” and to allow students and workers adequate rest during the night.
The mayor also encouraged citizens to report violations through their barangays or by calling the 911 hotline, which has been designated as the primary channel for enforcement.
Given that noise complaints typically arise in residential clusters rather than commercial areas, the city will focus on complaint-driven enforcement to respond efficiently to residents’ concerns.
Chan emphasized that the ordinances apply to everyone, including karaoke enthusiasts.
In addition to late-night videoke, the city is addressing another source of noise pollution: motorcycles with modified or “bora-bora” mufflers.
Under City Ordinance 13-212-2016, such modifications are prohibited because they produce excessive sound, particularly during nighttime hours. I
nstalling a muffler with higher capacity than the motorcycle requires, such as a 400-cubic-centimeter (cc) muffler on a 150-cc bike, is considered a violation.
Penalties for illegal mufflers are structured to escalate with repeat offenses. First-time violators face a P1,000 fine.
A second offense carries a P3,000 fine and possible confiscation of the driver’s license, while a third offense can result in a P5,000 fine, potential imprisonment, and permanent license revocation.
