Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10) — The Department of Interior and Local Government clarified Thursday that it is not against videoke sessions of people who live in the same home.
The DILG said what it discourages is karaoke singing in social gatherings and public places, as one study found that loud singing could increase the chances of spreading the coronavirus.
“Sa tingin po namin, wala naman pong masama kung kayo ay mag-karaoke sa loob ng inyong bahay,” DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a briefing.
[Translation: For us, there is nothing wrong if you want to have a karaoke session at home.]
“We highly discourage iyong [the] public karaoke,” Malaya added.
Health officials have repeatedly reminded the public to limit gatherings this Christmas season to household members to avoid a possible spike in coronavirus cases in the country.
The DILG reiterated its call on local governments to pass an ordinance banning the use of karaoke, a common practice during celebrations such as Christmas.
In October, the agency also urged LGUs to ban this activity as it distracts those who are taking up online classes at home.
