Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 24) — Ahead of the New Year celebrations, a lawmaker on Sunday reiterated his call to ban the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials to reduce, if not eliminate, firecrackers-related injuries.
Senator Win Gatchalian said Senate Bill 1144, or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act, amends the current law regulating the sale and production of pyrotechnic devices.
\”While significant reductions in the number of fireworks-related injuries have happened over the years due to greater government regulation, it would be ideal to further reduce, if not eliminate, fireworks-related injuries by prohibiting any person or business establishment to manufacture, sell, discharge firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices except for authorized fireworks displays,\” Gatchalian said.
\”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,\” he emphasized.
Gatchalian’s proposed amendment mandates the need for special permits from the Philippine National Police Fire and Explosives Office for any entity to use fireworks and any other pyrotechnic devices.
It also states that \”any fireworks display must be done only by professionals who are technically equipped with skills and knowledge on the use of firecrackers.\”
