Late-night ‘videoke’? Call 911
If you’re out on the street drinking with your friends, roaming around topless or warbling “My Way” past 10 p.m., you may be “looking for trouble.”
Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday said he has ordered the national police to enforce compliance with local ordinances prohibiting these acts, initially in Metro Manila, as part of the department’s “Safe City” initiative.
“Drinking on the road is no longer allowed. You can’t place chairs and tables on the road and have a drinking spree anymore,” Remulla told reporters in a briefing. “That is where quarrels come from and that is where sexual harassment cases come from.”
Policemen will also call the attention of individuals roaming shirtless in public. After all, wearing a shirt is an “act of civility,” the Secretary said.
“If you don’t want to be in trouble, please wear even ‘sandos’ (undershirt) because we will be running after those who are around without shirts,’’ he said.
Late-night ‘videoke’
“Videoke” sessions at way past 10 p.m. should prompt a call to 911, the national emergency hotline, Remulla said.
“If it’s past 10 p.m. and your neighbor is still on the videoke, call 911 and the police will go there and stop it,” he said. “I am not angry at anyone who sings. Even I, though I am out of tune, sometimes, I still sing. But, if it’s past 10 p.m., have some compassion for your neighbors.”
However, there may be exemptions allowed by barangay officials during “fiestas,’’ he added.
10 p.m. curfew
Remulla also reminded the public about the 10 p.m. curfew for individuals 18 years old and below.
“If you’re not coming from class or from work, if you don’t have proof of employment or proof of education at that time and you’re going home, you’re not allowed along the streets after 10 p.m.” he said. “Go home.”
“To the ‘rugby boys’ there, to the ‘geng geng’ (gang members), to the morons on the road there, hide now. Go home by 10 p.m. We will catch you,” he said.
Policemen will also intensify their patrol around bars and nightclubs such as those in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City; Poblacion in Makati City; Malate and Roxas Boulevard in Manila; as well as Katipunan Avenue, Maginhawa Street and Timog Avenue in Quezon City.
“If you want to look for trouble, come to me. I’m ready for that anytime,” he added. “But, that’s enough. Let’s stop people who are looking for trouble in the middle of Metro Manila’s nightlife.”
