Senators Loren Legarda and Miriam Defensor Santiago are pushing for the banning of the use of firecrackers in residential areas.
“There are too many deaths and injuries already,” Legarda said in a text message Thursday.
Santiago has formalized her proposal to prohibit the use of firecrackers near houses in Senate Bill 1876, which she refiled this Congress.
She proposed that those who use firecrackers near residential areas be slapped with a fine of up to P50,000, and imprisonment of up to a year.
As of Thursday morning, the number of injuries caused by consumer fireworks climbed to 804, including a 16-year-old who lost his eye due to a sky rocket (kwitis).
Because of these injuries, the Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for a ban on the individual use of firecrackers, “allowing only community fireworks managed by responsible persons, local government units or organizations, in designated areas,” said Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona in a statement on New Year’s Day. Malacañang said it supports this proposal.
The current law regulating the use of firecrackers in the Philippines, enacted 22 years ago, allows the use and sale of certain pyrotechnic devices, including kwitis and watusi, which has caused the poisoning of minors in past years.
Designated areas
Santiago’s law also proposes that local government units designate common fireworks use areas for national and local holiday celebrations.
In a separate text message, Senator Grace Poe said she supports this particular provision in Santiago’s measure.
“I think it will be better to confine fireworks in official designated areas… Aside from the danges of fireworks-related accidents, the smoke and pollution brought about by these are harmful especially to the elderly, the very young and asthmatics, for instance,” Poe said.
Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II also backed this proposal for common firecracker use areas, coupled with a public information campaign on the harmful effects of these pyrotechnic devices.
“Beyond banning in certain ares, most effective is still hearts and minds approach through public information and education that will result in measures like designated secure and safe common areas for fireworks displays,” Honasan said in a text message.
Total fireworks ban
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, for his part, said that he wants a total fireworks ban across the country, saying this will also prevent indiscriminate gun firing during the holiday revelry.
“Ban totally, not just residential areas. A total ban will prevent the firing of guns. Kapag wala nang putukan, wala na silang cover sa putok,” Sotto said in a separate text message.
Some local government units in the country like Davao City and Baguio City have already implemented a total fireworks ban.
In the United States, four of the 50 states currently ban all consumer fireworks, according to a map by the American Pyrotechnics Association. The rest allows some types of fireworks, like wire or wood stick sparklers.
In the United Kingdom, minors are not allowed to use firecrackers in public places. — BM, GMA News
