Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated his call for a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices ahead of New Year festivities.
“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.
The senator highlighted his Senate Bill 1144, which if enacted into law, will be called the 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.
Gatchalian’s proposed measure provides an exception to the prohibition of firecrackers. Entities requiring the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices must secure a special permit from the 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.
“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,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that 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, 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. Ang pinakamasama pa ay kung maging sanhi ito ng pagkamatay,” he ended.
