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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sale, distribution, use of firecrackers, pyrotechnics should be banned—Gatchalian

Sale, distribution, use of firecrackers, pyrotechnics should be banned—Gatchalian

Published Jan 1, 2023 02:45 pm

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the total ban on the use, sale and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, insisting there is a safer way to celebrate the New Year instead of making use of such materials.

Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill No. 1144 or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act of 2022 which strictly limits the use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices to professionals.

The senator noted that despite the issuance of Executive Order No. 28 and the Philippine National Police's (PNP) operational guidelines on regulating the use and control of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, there were still reports of new year firework-related Injuries during the 2021-2022 yuletide season.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a lower number of firecracker-related injuries during the 2022 New Year's eve celebration compared to the same period in 2021, the DOH's 2022 New Year firework-related injuries surveillance report showed that prohibited firecrackers such as Boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo still caused a significant number of cases and that minors and young adults between 11 to 30 years old were injured the most.

“Mas masaya ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon kung walang hindi magagandang aksidenteng maaaring mangyari dulot ng pagpapaputok. Tayong mga Pinoy ay sadyang malikhain kung kaya’t meron at merong ibang paraang upang maitawid natin ang selebrasyon nang masaya at maingat (Welcoming the new year is more fun if there are no unfortunate accidents that can happen due to fireworks. We Filipinos are very creative, so there is and there are other ways for us to spend the celebration happily and carefully),” Gatchalian stressed.

“We all have witnessed how unregulated use of firecrackers has led to unnecessary injury among our people, particularly our children. In addition, the unrestricted use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials poses fire hazards in our communities and exacerbates air pollution. It is high time we put an end to firecracker-related incidents,” he added.

Under the measure, any corporation or entity that requires the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices for its fireworks display would be required to apply for a special permit from the PNP - Fire and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO).

Also under the measure, the Local Government Unit (LGU) concerned may only allow fireworks in allowable designated areas upon presentation of the special permit,

The bill also stipulates a condition that the fireworks display shall be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.

“We want to ensure the safety of the people by regulating the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and specifying the areas where firecrackers and

pyrotechnic devices may be used,” the lawmaker stressed.

“It is important to maintain peace and order and promote the general welfare of the people while fully enjoying the blessings and the holidays,” Gatchalian said.

Related Tags

Firecrackers Sherwin Gatchalian fireworks pyrotechnics
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