The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that noise from regular school activities cannot be automatically considered a nuisance or grounds for damages.

In a decision written by Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, the Court reversed a ruling of the Court of Appeals that had favored residents who filed a complaint against Couples for Christ School of the Morning Star in Butuan City.

The case stemmed from a petition filed by residents of Saint Joseph Subdivision, who claimed they were disturbed by the sound of drums, bugles, teachers’ microphones, and students’ shouting during school programs, sports activities, and other events.

The school argued that it operated legally and complied with prescribed noise limits. It also said it implemented measures to reduce sound impact, including installing higher fences, planting trees, using smaller speakers, and limiting school activities to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

The Supreme Court said the residents failed to prove that the noise levels were excessive or harmful to health. It added that the sounds complained of are normally expected in a school environment.

The Court further emphasized that not all noise constitutes a nuisance, especially if it does not reach a level that is injurious or unreasonably disturbing to an ordinary person.