We are the Anti Noise Crusaders of the Philippines Inc. A National non-profit organization duly recognized and registered at the Security and Exchange Commission.
We are a group of people from all over the Philippines who advocates and fights for our rights recognized by the law to live in a peaceful community and tranquil environment free of Noise Nuisance Pollution.
The intensity of aggravating noise that we are experiencing in the place of our dwellings. Made by inconsiderate, disrespectful, law violator, obnoxious noisy neighbors. Causes us unbearable annoyance and anxiety. Our mental and physical health is deteriorating.
Unknown to many noise polluters of the harmful effects of noise on human health. Noise not only causes hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypersensitivity to sound, but it can also worsen cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; sleep disturbances; stress; mental health and cognition problems, including memory impairment and attention deficits; childhood learning delays; and low birth weight.
Like air pollution, noise pollution is far from a mere nuisance. It is increasingly understood to have long-term effects on human health. Defined as unwanted, prolonged, and high-level sounds, it can seriously impair our physical well-being. This includes chronic stress, annoyance, and sleep disturbance, resulting in severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders.
Noise is more than a Nuisance, it is a Health risk. The European Environmental Agency reports that noise ranks second in Air Pollution as the environmental exposure most harmful to public health. Noise is not just annoying it is dangerous to humans' mental and physical health, wildlife, and the environment. The problem of Noise Pollution is often underestimated. Most people think that Noise is just a petty thing.
We have tried all means to pacify the situation through our barangays but unfortunately, most cases fall on deaf ears. Some escalated through 911, 8888, LGUs, and at Local DILG but the thing is it keeps on recurring. We know that there are several Laws about Noise but these are not properly enforced. The NPCC Memorandum 1980 ruling sets the level between 50-55dbA and unfortunately the noise that we are experiencing reaches above 80-90dbA.
Right now, there is minimal to no action from some Barangays and police to abate Noise in Residential Areas. Even if there is an anti-noise Ordinance posted in every corner of some LGUs and Barangays, there are still Filipinos violating this. One major source of noise in the residential area is birthdays and other occasions because they are now, aside from videoke, using big speakers producing very loud sounds. Not to mention the loud conversations and laughter of the drunk guests and hosts.
Another source is Zumba exercise near or within residential areas using huge speakers and therefore producing a very loud noise. Another source is the practice of band groups in residential areas, playing all kinds of instruments amplified to destroy our peace. There is also the case of listening to loud music using bass, and noise from mufflers of vehicles, particularly jeepneys and motorcycles. Old model vehicles’ revolution early morning or other times are irritants.
Schools and churches blaring their activities daily at various times of the day, prevent us from truly enjoying a peaceful environment. Tsismosas/tsismosos with their loud conversations and laughter near one’s house or worse, windows, create noise whatever time of the day. Animals create noises too. Dogs’ incessant barking is a nuisance too, the owner is just ignoring their pets making noises. Irresponsible owners leave them tied in areas where all passersby can trigger barking, or where they are left to go hungry for hours or days. Roosters crowing too.
They are also occupying and closing the streets to use for their parties, and the barangay permitted them to use the street for parties and even lent them chairs, tables, and tents. And so on. The list is endless. Our boiling anger is also increasing. Our health is deteriorating. We are at a loss with how to address this problem because it seems the law cannot protect us. We want to solve the problem; we cannot join the noisemakers because we are peace-loving individuals and we respect the peace of our neighbors.
We truly wish that laws are fully implemented or laws passed like SBN-842 of Senator Loren Legarda which would prevent these activities that produce annoying noises, disturb our peace, rest, and sleep, and harm our health. Some of us have been recording levels of a decibel of these noises; ranging from 70dB to 110dB. Much above the standards set. We cannot be subjected to this pollution throughout our lives and the next generation’s lives.
There is a good number of graveyard shift workers among Filipinos which means sleep during the day is needed for health and sustenance. Work-from-home people, home-schooled need quiet surroundings for their work and studies. and For others, peace during the early morning, day, and early night are equally important for us to go through our daily motions properly.
In addition, we also wish that anti-noise ordinances of some LGUs and Barangays be set right. In their Ordinance, it says "Bawal gumawa ng malakas na ingay na nakakaapekto sa kabahayan Mula 10:00 ng gabi hanggang 5:00 ng madaling araw." In our humble opinion, this is clearly in violation of existing laws against Noise Pollution.
Existing laws are one in saying that "Walang Oras ang Pagbabawal sa paggawa ng Malakas na INGAY na Nakakaapekto sa kabahayan."
To add to our daily torture, some Barangay and LGUs do not strictly enforce these laws. They even allowed people to make noise that can disturb others’ sleep and rest from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Moreover, it is clearly in violation of the Noise Pollution stated in the following laws:
Republic Act 386 - Civil Code of the Philippines
Article 26. Every person shall respect the dignity, personality, PRIVACY, and PEACE OF MIND of his neighbors and other persons...
Article 682. Every property is subject to the easement, which prohibits the owner or possessor from committing nuisance through NOISE, JARRING, offensive odor, smoke, heat, dust, water, glare, and other causes.
Article 683. Subject to zoning, health, police, and other laws and regulations, factories and shops may be maintained provided the least possible ANNOYANCE is caused to the neighborhood.
Article 694. NUISANCE is any act, omission, establishment, business, condition of the property, or anything else which:
(1) INJURES or endangers the HEALTH or safety of others; or
(2) ANNOYS or offends the senses;
Republic Act 8749 - Clean Air Act of 1999
Section 2. Declaration of principles State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature...
The State recognizes the principle that “polluters must pay”.
Section 5 (Par. H) "Emission" means any air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream, or UNWANTED SOUND from a known source that is passed into the atmosphere;
Presidential Decree 1152 - Philippine Environment Code
Section 6. Standards for Noise-Producing Equipment. There shall be established a standard for noise-producing equipment... for the protection of public health and welfare... the installation of any noise-producing equipment shall conform with the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1096 and other applicable laws…
Memorandum Circular No. 002 Series of 1980 National Pollution Control Commission
Section 78. Ambient (Noise) Quality and Emission Standards FOR NOISE.
Presidential Decree No. 856 - Code on Sanitation
Chapter XIX Nuisances and Offensive Trades and Occupations
Section 84. Definition of Terms As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall mean and include:
(a) Nuisance. Anything that injures health endangers life, offends the senses, or produces discomfort to the community.
Section 85. Types of Nuisances For this Chapter, the following shall be considered nuisances:
(a) Public or private premises maintained and used in a manner injurious to health;
(g) Excessive Noise
We envision and seek a national remedy for NOISE POLLUTION. We truly wish that laws are fully implemented and the Police and not the barangay tanod will go to the house of the noise violators and tell them to immediately stop making noises that disturb others’ sleep and quiet. Moreover, the consequent violation will empower the police to immediately arrest the noisemakers. We believe this is the kind of method and system for implementing laws against noise pollution. Because some Filipinos now are not afraid of violating laws.
We victims of noise suffered so much so others can enjoy their fun and their irresponsibility. We too have the right to a peaceful, quiet, and tranquil environment. Noise Pollution is everywhere, in schools, streets, churches, malls, restaurants, and the workplace. The only place we can rest and be free from any noise nuisance and unlawful acts is in our Home. Yet, with these noisy neighbors and institutions, even our homes are not safe anymore.
Further, it is stated in the Philippine Constitution and should be the Concern of all.
SECTION 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
SECTION 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.