By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday reiterated his call for the ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers amid a rise in online sales of such products and other pyrotechnic devices.
“With more people turning to online shopping, we must enact legislation to ban the sale and distribution of firecrackers before it becomes a safety issue,” Gatchalian said in a news release.
The senator’s statement follows reports of the growing online market, particularly for oversized or “killer” firecrackers.
He emphasized that the rise of online platforms introduces new risks and called for collaboration between government agencies, online platforms, and local communities to enforce the ban and promote safer alternatives for celebrations.
In 2022, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 1144 seeking to amend Republic Act 7183 or the Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices Act, and rename it as the Firecrackers Prohibition Act.
He noted that Executive Order No. 28, which regulates firecracker use, has not fully addressed injuries caused by firecracker use.
“We don’t need fireworks to enjoy a celebration. Let’s also think of the potential tragedies they can cause,” Gatchalian said.
His proposed bill would prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, with exceptions for professional displays.
Those wishing to use fireworks must secure a special permit from the Philippine National Police Fire and Explosives Office and only trained professionals would be allowed to handle pyrotechnic devices. (PNA)
