If Valenzuela City 1st district Rep. Rex Gatchalian would have his way, he would outlaw the sale, distribution, and use of all firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
For this purpose, Gatchalian, chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.5914 or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act.
It was electronically received by the House bills and index service last Nov. 8.
"This bill proposes a total ban the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices--under the pain of imprisonment, fine, or both--in order to further reduce and even eliminate fireworks-related injuries," the measure read.
Gatchalian said in his bill that while the number of firecracker-related injuries have been on the decline since 2015, "minors and young adults between 11 to 30 years old still injured the most".
Moreover, it's the prohibited firecrackers such as "Boga", "5-Star", and "Piccolo" that cause "a significant portion of the cases.
Under HB No.5914, only corporations or entities that require the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices for their fireworks display shall apply for a special permit from the Philippine National Police-Fire and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO).
Upon presentation of the special permit, the local government unit (LGU) concerned may only allow fireworks in a designated and authorized area. The fireworks display shall be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.
Violators will be fined P1,000 and/or imprisoned from 20 days to one month for their first offense. For their second offense, a fine of P3,000 and/or one to three months of imprisonment will be imposed.
A fine worth P5,000 plus a jail term of three to six months will be imposed in case of a third offense.
If the violation is committed by a business establishment, the president or general manager or the person acting in their behalf shall be held liable. The business permit of the company will also be revoked.