NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of til?
■ ctfirji
)
■22 JUL 25 PI 36
SENATE
s. No. 842
RHCEIVtO 8V;
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
TO REGULATE NOISE POLLUTION BY CREATING THE NOISE POLLUTION 
CONTROL BOARD (NPCB), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Noise pollution takes place when there is an excessive amount of noise or an 
unpleasant sound that tends to disrupt the natural rhythm of life. Noise pollution is
an environmental hazard and should not be ignored because of its alarming effects on 
human health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one of the various 
adverse health effects of noise pollution is hearing impairment, which is essential for 
a person s well-being and safety. WHO added that sudden and unexpected noise had 
been observed to produce marked changes in the body, such as increased blood 
pressure, heart rate, and muscular contractions. Other impacts of noise pollution on 
human health and well-being are annoyance, sleep disturbance, and interference with 
communication, performance and social behavior effects.1
The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated that environmental noise 
contributes to 48,000 new cases of ischemic heart disease a year, which results to 12,000
'World Health Organization (WHO). (Burden of disease from environmental noise. Retrieved from 
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/326424/9789289002295-eng.pdf?sequence=l&isAUowed=y


premature deaths. In addition, it was estimated that 22 million people are subjected 
to chronic high annoyance, and 6.5 million people endure chronic high sleep 
disturbance. Aircraft noise is estimated to suffer 12,500 school children from reading 
impairment in school.2
This bill, therefore, seeks to regulate noise pollution by creating the Noise 
Pollution Control Board (NPCB), which shall formulate and implement policies and 
programs on noise pollution control. This measure also prescribes the standards and 
criteria for determining any violations on noise pollution and its corresponding 
penalties.
In view of the foregoing considerations, the immediate passage of this measure is 
sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
2 European Union (20 March 2020). Noise pollution is a major problem, both for human health and the environment. Retrieved 
from https:/ / www.eea.europa.eu/ articles/noise-pollution-is-a-major


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
s.No. 842
Ornate
of tl)f iferrrrtnrp
*22 JUL25 PI 36
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
TO REGULATE NOISE POLLUTION BY CREATING THE NOISE POLLUTION 
CONTROL BOARD (NPCB), PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Noise Pollution Control 
and Abatement Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
protect and promote the right to health, safet} and general welfare of the people by 
providing them an environment free from environmental noise due to economic 
development and modem technology that dismpt the natural rhythm of life.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For this Act, the following terms shall mean;
(a) Ambient Noise - the composite of noise from all sources near and far and in 
a given environment, exclusive or occasional and transient intrusive noise 
sources and of the particular noise source or sources to be measured^
(b) Decibel (dB) a unit of level which denotes the ration between two 
quantities which are proportional tc power, the number of decibels 
corresponding to the ration of two amounts^ of power is 10 of this ratio;
(c) Environmental Noise - the sound that is emitted in the course of industrial 
production, constmction, transportation and social activities that impairs the 
living environment of the people;


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(d) Motor Vehicle — includes, but not limited to automobiles, trucks,
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motorcycles, motor bikes and go carts;
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(e) Noise Emission - noise discharged from the source to the living environment
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of the neighborhood;
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(f) Noise Pollution - an unwanted human-created sound that disrupts the
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environment and emitted sporadically o; over a period of time; the dominant
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form of which are derived from transportation sources, motor vehicles, sound
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system, equipment, tolls, apparatus, machinery and the like;
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(g) Noise-sensitive Structures — those that require a quiet environment such as
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hospitals, schools, government offices, research institutions and residential
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buildings;
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(h) Octave band noise analyzer — an instrument for measurement of sound levels
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in octave frequency band which satisfies the pertinent requirement for class 2
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ban analyzers of the American National Standards Specifications;
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(i) Person — an individual, firm, association, co-partnership, joint venture
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corporation or any entity, private or public in nature;
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(j) Sound amplifying equipment - any machine or devise for amplification of the
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human voice, music or any sound including the following: (1) automobile
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radios, stereo players, phonographs for television receivers used in or heard
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only by the occupants of the vehicle in which the same is installed; (2) radio,
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stereo players, phonographs or television receivers used in a house or
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apartment within any residential zone or within 500 feet thereof; (3) warning
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devices or emergency vehicles; and (4) horns or other warning devises
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authorized by law on any vehicle when used for traffic purposes;
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(k) Sound Level (Noise Level) - in decibels (dB), is the sound measured with an
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"A" weighing and slow responses by a sound level meter, except an impulsive
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or rapidly varying sounds, the fast response shall be used; ar d
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(1) Sound Level Meter — an instrument inc] uding a microphone, an amplifier, an
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output meter, and "A" frequency weighing network for the measurement of
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sound levels;
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Sec. 4. Creation of the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB). - To implement the
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policies and attain the objectives enunciated under this Act, there is hereby created


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the Noise Pollution Control Board (NPCB), hereinafter referred to as the "Board"
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which shall be under the direct supervision of the Environmental Management
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Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and
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shall have its principal office at Metro Manila.
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Sec. 5. Composition of the NPCB. - The Board shall be composed of two (2)
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Assistant Secretaries of the DENR, as Chairm.in, and Vice-Chainnan, respectively,
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who shall both be appointed by the President. The following shall be the members of
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the Board:
(a) one (1) representative from the Department of Health (DOH);
(b) one (1) representative from the Department of Transportation (DOTr);
(c) one (1) representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways 
(DPWH);
(d) one (1) representative from the Department of Interior and Local 
Government (DILG);
(e) one (1) representative from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
(f) one (1) representative from the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST);
(g) one (1) representative from the Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE); and
(h) one (1) representative from the Department of Human Settlements and 
Urban Development (DHSUD).
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following 
powers and functions:
(a) Formulate and implement such policies and programs necessary for the 
accomplishment of the purposes of this Act;
(b) Set up, revise and/or modify existing noise standards consistent with 
economic development and technology;
(c) Determine the source, magnitude, extcmt, severity, causes, effects and other 
pertinent information regarding noise pollution and take such measures, using 
available methods and technologies, as it shall deem best to prevent or abate 
such pollution;
(d) Prescribe procedures and criteria for ihe measurement of sound level;
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(e) Conduct continuing researches and studies on the effective means for the 
control and abatement of noise pollution ;
(f) Develop comprehensive plans for the abatement of existing noise pollution 
and the prevention of new or imminent pollution, the implementation of which 
shall be consistent with the national development of the country and indicating 
priorities and programs;
(g) Adopt, prescribe, promulgate and issue rules and regulations governing 
compliance of the provisions of this Act;
(h) Develop and disseminate information and educational materials to all 
sectors of society concerning public health and other effects of noise and the 
most effective means for noise control, tlirough the use of materials for school 
curricula, volunteer organizations, radio and television programs, publication 
and other social media;
(i) Deputize in writing or request assistance from concerned government 
agencies or instrumentalities for the purp ose of enforcing the provisions of this 
Act;
(j) Issue, renew or deny permits under such conditions as it may determine to 
be reasonable for the prevention and abatement of noise pollution;
(k) Impose reasonable fees and charges for the issuance or renewal of permits 
relative to the compliance of the provisions of this Act; and
(i) Exercise and perform such other powers and functions as may be 35 
necessary or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and 36 objectives of 
this Act.
Sec. 7. Secretariat of the Board. — The Board shall establish a Secretariat which 
shall assist in the implementation of this Act. Its staffing pattern shall be established 
in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and in 
accordance with the Civil Service rules and regulations.
Sec. 8. General Requirements and Restrictions on Noise Level and Control. — The 
following shall be the general requirements and restrictions on noise level:
(a) Any noise level caused by use or operation of radio, television receiver, 
musical instrument, phonograph or other Similar machine or devise which is 
audible to the human ear shall be at a distance not to exceed 150 feet from the


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property line of the noise source, within any residential zone or within 500 feet
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thereof;
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(b) Any noise level caused by such use or operation which exceeds the ambient
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noise level on the premises of any other occupied property, or if a
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condominium, apartment, house, duplex, or attached business, within an
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adjoining unit, shall not exceed five (5) decibels; and
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(c) The most modem, effective and affordable technology shall be used to
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control noise emissions.
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Sec. 9. Sound Level Measurement Procedure and Criteria. — The following are the
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sound level measurement procedure and criteria:
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(a) Any sourxi level measurement me de pursuant to the provisions of this
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Act shall be measured with a sound level meter using the "A" weighing and
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response; except when impractical, die microphone shall be located 4 to 5
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feet above the ground and 10 feet or more from the nearest reflective surface;
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(b) If the sound alleged to be offending is of a type or character set forth
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below:
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1. Except for noise emanating from any electrical transformer or
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gas metering and pressure control equipment existing and
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installed prior to the effective date of the ordinance enacting this
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chapter, any steady tone with audible fundamental frequency or
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overtones have 200Hz.
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2. Repeated impulsive noise.
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3. Noise occurring more than 5 but less than 15 minutes in any
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period of 60 consecutive minutes between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
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and 10:00 p.m. of any day.
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(c) For those cases where an objectionable noise is clearly audible,
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but when the level of ambient noise does not permit direct
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quantitative sound level "/e measurements of the objectionable
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noise, sound measurements may be performed utilizing an
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octave band sound analyzer to determine sound level "A" limits
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as indicated in the Table below. This table is used to convert the


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sound pressure level meter readings in dB for each band to SPL 
in dB (A) for each band.
Table: Octave Band Noise Value Corresponding to Sound Level "A" Values 
Octave Band Sound Pressure Level, dB re 0.0002 dyne/cm
Sound
level
Octave Band Center Frequency in Hz
"A"
31.5
63
125
250
530
1000
2000
4000
8000
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58
50
42
35
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29
26
23
20
40
61
54
46
40
37
34
31
28
25
45
64
58
51
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42
39
36
33
30
50
67
61
55
50
'\7
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41
38
35
55
70
64
60
55
52
49
46
43
40
60
73
68
64
60
57
54
51
48
45
65
76
72
68
65
62
59
56
53
50
70
79
76
73
70
67
64
61
58
55
75
84
81
78
75
72
69
66
63
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Sec. 10. Criteria/ Standards for Violations of this Act. — In determining any 
violation of this Act, the following criteria or standards shall be considered:
(a) Level of noise;
(b) Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;
(c) Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;
(d) Level and intensity of the background noise, if any; 
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(e) Proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;
(f) Nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates;
(g) Density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;
(h) Time of the day and night the noise occurs;
(i) Duration of noise;
(j) Whether the noise is recurrent, intem ittent, or constant; and
(k) Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or non-commercial activity. 
Sec. 11. Procedure and Criteria for Sound Level Measurement. — Any sound
measurement made pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be measured with 
a sound level meter using the "A" weighing and response as indic:ated in Section 9


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hereof. Except when impractical, the microphone shall be located four (4) to five (5)
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feet above the ground and ten (10) feet or more from the nearest reflective surface.
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However, in those cases where another elevatron is deemed appropriate, the latter
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shall be utilized, interior sound level measuremerlts shall be made at a point at least
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four (4) feet from the wall, ceiling, or floor nearest the noise source. Calibration of the
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sound level meter, utilizing an acoustic calibrator shall be performed immediately
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prior to recording any sound level data. The ambient noise level and the level of a
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particular noise being measured shall be the numerical average of noise
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measurements taken at a given location during a given time period.
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Sec. 12. Prohibited Acts. - Any person who willfully make or continue, or cause
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to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary and unusual noise which disturbs the
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peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any
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reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area shall be liable for noise
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pollution and punishable under this Act.
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The following shall constitute as prohibited acts punishable under this Act:
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(a) Use or operate any radio, musical instrument, pJionograph, television
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receiver, or other machine or device for producing, reproducing or
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amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound, in such a manner
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as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of the neighbor occupants or any
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reasonable person residing or working in the area;
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(b) Operate any air conditioning, refrigeration or heating equipment for any
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residence or other structure or to operate any pumping, filtering or heating
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equipment for any pool or reservoir in such manner as to create any noise which
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would cause the noise level on the premises of any otlier occupied property or
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if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within any
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adjoining unit to exceed the ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels
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except when the operation of the equipment, instrument is for emergency work,
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periodic maintenance or testing or is reasonably necessary;
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(c) Operate any lawn mower, back pack blower, lawn edger, riding tractor, or
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any other machinery, equipment, or other mechanical or electrical device, or any
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residential zone or within 500 feet of a residence between the hours of 10:00 p.m.
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and 7:00 a.m. of the following day;


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(d) Operate or cause to be operated any machinery, equipment, tools, or other 
mechanical or electrical device or engage in any other activity in such manner 
as to create any noise which would cause the noise level on the premises of any 
other occupied property, or, if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or 
attached business, within any adjoining tmit, to exceed the ambient noise level 
by more than five (5) decibels;
(e) Use gas powered blower within 500 feet of a residence at any time with the 
exception of leaf vacuum devices which operate at a sound level not to exceed 
45 dB(A) at any point that is normally occupied by a customer, unless a 
conspicuous and legible sign is located outside such place, near 5 each public 
entrance, stating;
(f) Operate, play, or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television 
receiver, phonograph, musical instrument, sound amplifying equipment, or 
similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound in any place of 
public entertainment at a sound level greater than 95 dB(A) at any point that is 
normally occupied by a customer, unless a conspicuous and legible sign is 
located outside such place, near each public entrance, stating;
(g) Repair, rebuild, reconstruct or dismantle any motor vehicle between the 
hours of 8:00 p.m. of one day and 8:00 a.m, the next day within any residential 
property located in a residential zone or within 500 feet thereof and that a 
reasonable person residing in the area experienced discomfort or annoyance and 
the activity is audible to the human ear at a distance in excess of 150 feet from 
the property line of the noise;
(h) Create any noise which cause the noise level on the premises of any occupied 
residential property, or if a condominium, apartment house or duplex, within 
any adjoining unit, to exceed the ambient noise level by more than five (5) 
decibels;
(i) Operate any motor-driven vehicle upon any property or unreasonably 
accelerate the engine of any vehicle, or sound, blow or operate the horn or other 
warning device of such vehicle as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of any 
neighborhood or of any reasonable person residing in the area, provided that 
the activity is audible to the human ear at a distance in excess of 150 feet from


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the property line of the noise source creating any noise which would cause the
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noise level on the premises of any occupied residential property, or if a
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condominium, apartment house or duplex, within any adjoining unit, to exceed
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the ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels;
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(j) Sound, blow or operate any music, chimes or bells, or any similar sound
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device, amplified or otherwise, within 200 feet of any residential building
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between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the next day;
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(k) Install, operate or use any vehicle theh alarm system that emits or causes the
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emission of an audible sound, which is not, or does not become, automatically
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and completely silenced within five (5) minutes;
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(1) Use of sound amplifying equipment out of the normal, adequate and
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tolerable sound level causing public nuiscnce of loud and unnecessary noise;
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(m) Install, use, or operate a loud speaker or sound amplifying equipment in a
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fixed or movable position or mounted upon any sound truck for the purpose of
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giving instructions, directions, talks, addresses, lectures, or transmitting music
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to any persons or assemblages of persons in pr upon any public street, alley, side
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walk, part or place, or other public property is prohibited between the hours of
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4:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. of the following day> except when the operation or use
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of sound amplifying equipment for non-commercial purposes in all residential
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zones is within 500 feet thereof and is used for regularly scheduled operative
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functions by any school or for the usual and customary purposes of any church.
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In all other zones and is within 500 feet of any residential zone, the operation or
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use of sound amplifying equipment for cpmmercial purposes is prohibited
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between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of the following day; and
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(n) Modify the exhaust system of a motor \^ehicle in a manner that shall amplify
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or increase the noise emitted by the engine of the motor vehicle in excess of the
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noise emitted by the muffler installed on the motor vehicle in the manufacturer's
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original design.
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In all other zones, except such portions thereof as may be included with 500
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feet of any residential zone, the operation or use of sound amplifying equipment for
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non-commercial purposes is prohibited between ffie hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.


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of the following day and the only sounds permitted shall be either music, human
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speech, or both.
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Sound emanating from sound amplifying equipment shall be limited in
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volume, tone and intensity when the sound is aot audible at a distance in excess of
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200 feet from the sound equipment. In no event shall the sound be loud and raucous
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or unreasonably jarring, disturbing, annoying or a nuisance to reasonable persons of
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normal sensitiveness within the area of audibility.
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Except as provided in (m) above, no sound amplifying equipment shall be
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operated upon any property adjacent to and within 200 feet of any hospital grounds
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or any school or church building while in use.!
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Sec. 13. Penalties. — Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of
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Section 12 hereof, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than Ten Thousand
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Pesos (Php 10,000.00) but not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) or
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imprisonment of not less than two (2) months but not more than one (1) year, or both,
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upon the discretion of the court.
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In case any violation of this Act is committed by a partnership, corporation,
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association or any juridical person, the partner, president, director or manager who
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consents to or knowingly tolerates such violation shall be held liable as a co-principal.
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Sec. 14. Formulation of a Comprehensive Anti-Noise Pollution Program. - There
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shall be a comprehensive program to be formulated by the Department of
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Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, and the Department of
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Public Works and Highways, in coordination with other concerned government
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agencies and private entities, within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the DENR, in
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coordination with the DOH, DILG, DOLE, DP WH, DHSUD shall within thirty (30)
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days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and regulations to
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implement its provisions.
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Sec. 16. Appropriations. — To implement the provisions of this Act, such amount
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as may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National
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Treasury. Thereafter, the amount necessary for its operation shall be included in the
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annual appropriations of the DENR. i
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Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - If any provisions or part hereof, is declared invalid
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or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law not otherwise affected shall remain valid
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and subsisting.
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Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - Any law, pre;- idential decree or issuance, executive
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
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accordingly.
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Sec. 19. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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