Firecracker ban: Manufacturers, dealers worried

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines – Fireworks manufacturers and dealers expressed apprehension yesterday on the possible imposition of firecracker ban nationwide.

Their fears were brought about by a recent pronouncement by President Duterte during his visit to Brunei that he would order a ban on pyrotechnics.

However, the President said he would have to consult his Cabinet first before issuing an executive order on the matter.

“It might lead to loss of livelihood, economic, whatever, social, everything. So I would need the Cabinet to decide (on it),” he was quoted as saying.

Fireworks stakeholders are asking what improvements and developments they can do to the industry to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act 7183 or an Act Regulating the Sale, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices.

Among the recommendations raised by the Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI) are adequate training in regulating and enforcing laws on the use and manufacture of firecrackers and the submission of lists of products to be manufactured to appropriate agencies for proper inspection and accounting.

To further reduce casualties, the PPMDAI urged the Department of Health to campaign on a slogan of “Ingat Paputok” instead of using the scare tactics of “Iwas Paputok.”

There must also be a continuous training for manufacturers, dealers and retailers on the safety of firecrackers and other issues, it said.

The group added that local government units must be involved in the development of local pyrotechnics industry in their respective localities as mandated in Section 12 of RA 7183.

Ban pushed

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the President to certify as urgent his proposed measure seeking to ban the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide.

Gatchalian reminded the President that the ban on firecrackers, which has long been implemented in Davao City, was one of his campaign promises.

Gatchalian filed last month Senate Bill 1140 or the proposed Firecrackers Prohibition Act, which bans the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices for recreational purposes.

“Ensuring festive but safe holiday celebrations through the passage of this bill would be a good early Christmas present from the government to the people,” he said. – With Marvin Sy