Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the public to consider the potential tragedies caused by firecrackers and fireworks during the holidays, particularly during New Year revelry.
Gatchalian is proposing a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers amid the growing trend of online sales of these products and other pyrotechnic devices.
This month of December and days before it ended is a perennial period for fire safety as it usually registers a high number of fire cases mostly caused by malfunctioning fireworks and firecracker-related incidents.
Given the increasing tendency of consumers to make purchases online, Gatchalian said the government needs legislation that prohibits the sale and distribution of firecrackers before this becomes a serious safety concern.
Gatchalian made the proposal following reports of the rise in online sales of oversized or “killer” firecrackers.
The senator has previously filed Senate Bill 1144, which, if passed, will be known as the Firecrackers Prohibition Act. This bill aims to amend Republic Act 7183, officially titled “An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices.”
Gatchalian pointed out that Executive Order No. 28, which regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, has not been fully effective in preventing injuries related to firecracker use.
The proposed legislation would prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of any firecracker or pyrotechnic device, although it does provide an exception.
Entities needing to use fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices must obtain a special permit from the Philippine National Police – Fire and Explosives Office, and any fireworks display must be conducted by professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.
The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) meanwhile intensified its monitoring of uncertified fireworks in preparation for the New Year festivities, FTEB Director Gino Mallari said during a media forum in Makati City on Friday.
Mallari’s statement came in response to appeals from legal firecracker manufacturers for stricter enforcement against the sale of uncertified products, which they say impacts their livelihood.
“We can issue cease and desist orders for the manufacturers and then I believe there is a special law enforced by the PNP (Philippine National Police) with criminal aspect for violations,” he said.
He assured constant coordination with the PNP, particularly in gathering and sharing information on where the uncertified products might be found.
The DTI-FTEB is also working with local government units to enforce ordinances and designate areas for the display and sale of certified firecrackers.
Two weeks ago, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque urged consumers to purchase only certified fireworks to guarantee safe and worry-free celebrations. The Bureau of Philippine Standards has published a comprehensive list of certified fireworks on the DTI’s website.
