Rody signs EO on use of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines -  The government will regulate the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to reduce the risk of casualties and injuries.

Executive Order 28, signed by President Duterte on June 20, limits the use of firecrackers to community fireworks displays. 

Duterte implemented a similar firecracker ban while he was mayor of Davao City. Under his watch, the city government encouraged the use of alternative means of making noise during holidays like banging pots and pans, blowing party horns and holding street parties.

A fireworks display falls into the category if it is conducted as part of a celebration competition or any similar event in a non-residential venue, conducted under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and has a permit issued by the local government.

In the order, Duterte said the regulations would be implemented because of the “substantial number of firecracker-related injuries, even casualties, recorded every year, some involving mere bystanders.”

Other pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks display subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. These include sparklers, luces, fountain, Roman candle and trompillo. 

The PNP chief was directed to promulgate the criteria for what constitutes prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices within 30 days from the effectivity of the order and to provide specific lists of such devices. 

The PNP, health, interior and local government, environment departments and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were also tasked to craft the implementing rules and regulations of the order “after the appropriate public consultation.” 

The police, in coordination with other concerned agencies and local government units, will be responsible for the enforcement of Republic Act 7183, the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. 

The health, education and environment departments as well as the BFP, PNP and local government units were tasked to conduct information campaigns on the danger of using fireworks.  

The PNP, health and interior and local government departments are required to submit a report to the Office of the President on the implementation of the order within 30 days from its effectivity and every six months thereafter. 

The executive order on firecracker regulation was supposed to be issued last year but the President deferred its release, saying he needed to consult with the affected sectors first.

Celso Cruz, chairman of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that the Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board of Bulacan will meet today to tackle the executive order.

In its Facebook page, the PPMDAI also posted the schedule of fireworks safety seminars for stakeholders. The seminar will be on June 30 in Central Luzon; Aug. 4 in Region 4; July 14 in Region 2; Aug. 11 in Region 1 and CAR; August 25 in Region 5; Sept. 15 in regions 7, 8,and 9; Sept. 29 in Region 10; Oct. 13 in Region 6; Oct. 27 in regions 11, 12 and 13; Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 in the National Capitol Region.  –  With Ramon Efren Lazaro