An Open Letter to DMCI, Pasig City Office, and RFM Corporation

Dear DMCI, Pasig City, and RFM Corporation,

We, the residents of DMCI Sheridan Towers, are writing in good faith, to bring to your awareness our concerns regarding the 24/7 noise (and air) pollution coming from RFM factory located in Pasig City. 

From our experiences, we observed that the factory operates 24/7, and the decibels level averages at 70 and peaks at around 100. 

Given the global pandemic we are in wherein most of us work from home, the prolonged exposure to the 24/7 noise from RFM factory can be hazardous to the health of the residents. 

As of this writing, we are now on the 7th month of quarantine. For most of us, it also means 7 months 24/7 exposure to the noise pollution. 

Here are our experiences as residents:

"I've been having palpitations and migraines because of the vibration, pressure, and noise coming from the factory 24/7. Even with all the windows and doors closed, you can still hear the noise and you can still feel the vibration and pressure coming from the factory."

"I'm also disturbed by the factory noise since day 1 that I moved to my unit. I'm at the lower floor riverside. I have migraine and insomia and very sensitive to noise. I didnt expect that the noise coming from RFM  factory is 24/7.  Also,  the excessive noise from trucks (ex. loud engine, honking) and early morning work like drilling.

Parang everyday kasi may something na gjnagawa sila. Very irritating din un parang ugong from factory. I can feel un vibration sa glass door especially at night dahil sa lakas ng ugong and wala atang pang soundproof si DMCI kaya kahit nakaclose ang balcony door rinig pa rin."

"Im not sure how to verbalize my concern. But it has to do with the powdery stuff that seems to be coming from RFM."

"I am facing pasig river and RFM my main concern is the dust coming from their factory unaabot kahit nasa 30th floor ako and I think the insects are also coming from them."

We are attaching the following videos and photos for your reference. Kindly check if this is an acceptable living condition for you. 

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Noise and air pollution (see the smoke)






The sound still permeates the condo unit, even with all the doors and windows closed. 

We would like to appeal to your good hearts to please look into this matter. This is a serious health hazard for the residents. 

We understand that RFM factory has been around for decades. We also believe that given that there are now residents beside the factory, we are hoping that RFM factory will be a bit considerate as regards the noise and air pollution the factory emits that may be hazardous to the health of the residents. 

We did some research and here's what we found:

"Article 694 of the New Civil Code (NCC) of the Philippines defines nuisance as “any act, omission, establishment, business, condition of property or anything else which: (1) injures or endangers the health or safety of others; or (2) annoys or offends the senses; or (3) shocks, defies or disregards decency or morality; or (4) obstructs or interferes with the free passage of any public highway or street, or any body of water; or (5) hinders or impairs the use of property.”

There’s Republic Act 8749, or the Clean Air Act on regulating and controlling emissions—defined as “any air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream or unwanted sound from a known source which is passed into the atmosphere.” See Section 5(h) page 3/29 of https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/RA-8749.pdf

Section 901. General.

Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Civil Code of the Philippines on Property, Ownership, and its Modification, all buildings hereafter erected, altered, remodeled, relocated or repaired for human habitation shall be provided with adequate and potable water supply, plumbing installation, and suitable wastewater treatment or disposal system, storm water drainage, pest and vermin control, noise abatement device, and such other measures required for the protection and promotion of health of persons occupying the premises and other living nearby.

Section 906. Noise Pollution Control.

Industrial establishments shall be provided with positive noise abatement devices to tone down the noise level of equipment and machineries to acceptable limits set down by the Department of Labor and the National Pollution Control Commission.

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We leave the decision to you. Our goal in writing this letter is to bring our concerns to your awareness so you can see the gravity of the situation and act accordingly.

We believe that you have good hearts and you -- DMCI, Pasig City Office, and RFM -- have good intentions. This letter is our humble attempt to show you our first hand experiences so you can make an informed and sound decision that respects the_______. 

We understand that businesses need to make profit to be sustainable. We also appeal that doing business should never be at the expense of someone's health or at the expense of the environment. We appeal for responsible entrepreneurship. 

As residents, all we want is to live peacefully in our homes which we worked hard to purchase. We just want some peace and quiet. We just want to live in a home where we can enjoy fresh air in our balconies. We just want to feel safe in our own homes. 

We'd like to appeal to the three parties -- DMCI, Pasig City Office, and RFM to please meet up and see how DMCI and RFM can co-exist and operate harmoniously, without jeopardizing the health of the residents.