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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ahead of New Year festivities, Gatchalian renews call for ban on firecrackers

Ahead of New Year festivities, Gatchalian renews call for ban on firecrackers

Published Dec 24, 2023 01:02 am

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, December 24 renewed his call for a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices ahead of New Year festivities.

 

Gatchalian said that while there has been a significant decrease in the number of fireworks-related injuries over the years due to better state regulation, he said it would be ideal to further reduce, if not eliminate, fireworks-related injuries by prohibiting any person or establishment to manufacture, sell, discharge firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices except for authorized fireworks displays.

 

“As much as we want to enjoy the holiday festivities, it remains crucial to ensure our celebrations are conducted with utmost safety and well-being in mind,” Gatchalian said. 

 

The senator earlier filed Senate Bill No. 1144 or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act which seeks amendments to Republic Act 7183 also known as An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.

 

Gatchalian’s bill seeks to require entities to secure a special permit from the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Fire and Explosives Office before being able to use fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.

 

Under the bill, any fireworks display must be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.

 

“The public should be mindful of the psychological trauma and anxiety disorders that they may experience due to firecracker-related explosions,” Gatchalian said, also noting the impact of firecrackers on pets.

 

“Taon-taon na lang, hindi nawawala ang mga nabibiktima ng mga paputok. Taon-taon na lang, nananawagan tayo na maraming ibang paraan ang pwedeng gawin para ipagdiwang ang Bagong taon nang masaya at maingay, hindi lang sa pamamagitan ng mga paputok (Every year, the victims of firecrackers do not disappear. Every year, we call for many other ways to celebrate the New Year with fun and noise, not just with fireworks),” he pointed out.

 

Even with the issuance of Executive Order No. 28, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, the lawmaker lamented injuries related to firecracker use continue to persist.

 

“Bukod sa pinsala na maaaring idulot ng mga paputok sa katawan, maaari rin itong maging sanhi ng sunog at magdulot ng polusyon sa hangin (Besides the damage that fireworks can cause to the body, they can also cause fires and cause air pollution),” he reiterated.

 

“Ang pinakamasama pa ay kung maging sanhi ito ng pagkamatay (The worst thing is if it causes death),” Gatchalian stressed.

Related Tags

New Year 2024 Sherwin Gatchalian firecracker injuries firecracker ban
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