Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso reiterated his call for residents to not use fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate New Year's Day, saying that violators will face arrest.
Domagoso urged residents to follow government protocols because, as much as possible, they want to celebrate the coming of the new year in a "peaceful" and "orderly" way.
"Puwede naman nating i-celebrate itong holiday na iba pang mga ways (We can celebrate the holiday in different ways)," he said in a public briefing.
"Ayaw namin maghulihan sa bagong taon… walang piskalya ngayon (We do not want to arrest people on New Year's Day… the fiscal's office is closed)," he added.
The city's 12 new high-end ambulances also made rounds in the city on Thursday morning to remind residents of the fireworks and firecracker ban.
The Manila mayor said residents should just save their money instead of spending on fireworks and firecrackers that are not only harmful to people, but also to the environment.
"In 2021, there are some uncertainties, economically speaking," he said. "Huwag muna gumastos sa mga bagay na maaaring makapahamak din sa kanila (Do not spend your money on things that might harm you)."
On Tuesday, Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 47, banning private households from staging their own fireworks displays. However, community fireworks displays that have secured a valid permit from the city government are allowed.
This is in line with a resolution recently passed by the Metro Manila Development Authority.