Duterte: Curfew for minors in, late-night karaoke out

Pia Ranada

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Duterte: Curfew for minors in, late-night karaoke out

EPA

The president-elect says karaoke sessions are 'noise pollution' that should be stamped out by local officials

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Citing the need to restore public order and security, president-elect Rodrigo Duterte said he would impose a curfew on minors and would press local government units to stamp out noisy karaoke sessions. 

“Curfew for minors mandatory,” said Duterte during a press conference on Monday, May 16, in Davao City.

Because minors cannot be arrested based on the law, Duterte said police would be instructed to arrest the parents instead for the charge of “abandonment of minors, putting the life of minors in jeopardy,” he said.

Police who are not able to do this may face suspension for “neglect of duty.”

Duterte, as a 7-term Davao City mayor, has imposed a similar ordinance in his hometown. In Davao City, those who are 18 years old and below are not allowed to loiter in the streets between 10 pm to 5 am unless accompanied by their parents or a guardian of legal age. 

Duterte has maintained that he implements the ordinance in order to “protect the children.” 

He would be equally strict about implementing a liquor ban in public places.

“No drinking in all public places. If you do not have a house then do not drink, do not make it a fixture of a place,” he said.

“The police must arrest all drinking people in public, alcoholic. Do not occupy streets,” he added. 

Like his planned curfew for minors, the liquor ban takes inspiration from local legislation in Davao City. At first, the ordinance was severely criticized by businessmen who own drinking establishments. But nowadays, the liquor ban has become an accepted part of Davao City life.

Though Duterte was not as categorical about what he would do about karaoke sessions, he said local officials would do well to stamp out such a practice. 

To stress his point, the president-elect gave his own rendition of “My Way,” a popular karaoke song.

“You disturb the neighborhood…Noise pollution can be abated anytime because it is a nuisance. A barangay captain or mayor or governor or the police can stop it immediately. No need for a court order because that is a nuisance which can be summarily stopped,” he said.

Davao City also started implementing a ban on late-night karaoke sessions after Duterte received complaints about it from citizens. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.