Nationwide firecracker ban possible next year

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte said he is seriously considering implementing a nationwide firecracker ban next year.

“At this time, I’d like to put on notice everybody that I am seriously considering making the entire Philippines like Davao. We observe the Christmas time with solemnity,” the President told reporters during a visit to the tomb of his parents at the Wireless Public Cemetery before dawn Thursday. Duterte banned firecrackers in this city when he was mayor.

The President said it would be too late already to impose a firecracker ban at this time as industry players have already begun producing and distributing firecrackers and pyrotechnic products.

Besides, those engaged in the industry had already invested for the materials they used in making the firecrackers and the pyrotechnic materials.

“Everybody has invested in it. It would not be fair,” the President said.

Firecracker injuries – usually by the hundreds – marked New Year’s Eve revelry in the country. The social and financial costs of firecracker injuries were staggering, the President said.

He said he is open to signing an executive order on a nationwide firecracker ban if he is unable to make Congress do the job.

“The President has the power to come up with measures to protect public property, public interest, public safety,” he said. In eyeing a nationwide firecracker ban, Duterte said firecrackers don’t only cause injuries during New Year’s Eve revelry but are also potential source of materials for bombs and explosives by terrorists.

In Davao City, Duterte said children were mostly the victims of firecracker accidents.

“I decided to ban it in Davao because most of the victims are children,” he said.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial shares President Duterte’s position that a total ban should only be enforced in 2017 even if he signs a draft EO this year.

“Hopefully when the EO is approved (by Pres. Duterte) the effectivity will be on Sept. 2017,” she posted on her Twitter account @Dok_Pau. An EO on nationwide firecracker ban – prepared by the Department of Health – is awaiting Duterte’s signature. – With Ramon Efren Lazaro, Sheila Crisostomo