Even with the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 28 and the Philippine National Police’s operational guidelines on regulating the use and control of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, Senator Win Gatchalian took note that there were still reports of new year firework-related Injuries during the 2021-2022 yuletide season.
Although the Department of Health (DOH) 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, according to Gatchalian in the explanatory note of his Senate Bill No. 1144 otherwise known as the Firecrackers Prohibition Act of 2022.
“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,” 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.
The proposed measure, however, states that any corporation or entity that requires the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices for its fireworks display shall apply for a special permit from the PNP – Fire and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO).
It further states that upon presentation of the special permit, the Local Government Unit (LGU) concerned may only allow fireworks in allowable designated areas and in the 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. 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 ended.
