Report neighbours singing karaoke to help fight coronavirus, Philippines governor urges

After enduring months under coronavirus curfew, Filipinos are raising their voices.

But the popular pastime of karaoke has come under attack from authorities who urged residents to dob in neighbours for singing too loudly - especially those who are “drunk and out of tune”.

To show how serious they are, police have set up a special karaoke hotline in the province of Cavite, with residents encouraged to make a complaint for the sake of their own health.

While karaoke is already a favourite pastime in the country, an 8pm curfew has emptied city streets and brought sound systems to residential areas.

“One of the most important defences against Covid is having a strong immune [system],” governor Jonvic Remulla wrote, adding that a good night’s sleep was essential.

“Even if you say that you are inside your home, the noise caused by [karaoke] can be considered unlawful for the curfew hours.

“Learn to respect your neighbours who have to wake up at 4am.”

He added: “Please text +63 916 916 986 0679 your grievances and concerns to lessen and stop good for nothings and noisy ones who sing, especially those who are drunk and out of tune."

Filipinos are known for their love of a celebration and regularly perform karaoke at birthdays and weddings.

In 2017, Cavite ruled that karaoke systems could not be played in residential areas past 10pm except for public holidays.

The Philippines has suffered more than 269,000 coronavirus cases with nearly 5,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally.

The country was placed in strict lockdown between March and June.

Some areas, including the capital Manilla, still face partial restrictions until the end of September.

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