Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday, December 20 reiterated his call for a ban on the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers amid an increasing trend of selling of these products and other pyrotechnic devices online.
Gatchalian made the call following reports of “killer” firecrackers being sold online by some traders.
“Given customers’ increasing propensity for online purchases, we need to put in place legislation that would prohibit the sale and distribution of firecrackers before this becomes a safety concern,” Gatchalian said.
“The surge in online platform selling poses new challenges, which is why authorities must adopt innovative ways to address these risks,” he further said.
“Collaboration between government agencies, online platforms, and local communities is crucial to uphold the ban and promote safer alternatives for celebrations,” the lawmaker pointed out.
Earlier, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 1144 or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act, amending Republic Act 7183, also known as “An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.”
The senator lamented that the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 28, which promotes regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, has not been entirely effective in stopping firecracker-related injuries so far.
According to Gatchalian, the measure prohibits the sale, distribution, possession, and use of any firecracker or pyrotechnic devices. Still, the measure provides an exception to the prohibition of firecrackers.
Under the bill, entities requiring the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices must secure a special permit from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Fire and Explosives Office and any fireworks display must be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.
“Hindi kinakailangang magpaputok upang maramdaman natin ang saya ng selebrasyon. Isipin din natin ang trahedya na maaaring maidulot nito (It isn’t necessary to set off fireworks so that we can feel the joy of celebration. Let's also think of the tragedy it could cause),” he stressed.