President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged various local government units (LGUs) to create common areas for the community fireworks display for the New Year.
“I will enjoin the LGU’s instead of allowing our people to have their own firecrackers, better to make a beautiful fireworks display for your constituents.” President Marcos said in an interview after leading a gift distribution activity.
President Marcos warned Filipinos about the dangers of firecracker use.
“Let us not use firecrackers as of now because we know sometimes it is very hazardous especially now that there are firecrackers which were illegally manufactured,” the President said.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier noted a downward trend in firecracker-related injuries in the country, citing figures in recent years.
The Philippine National Police, for its part, ramped up efforts to confiscate and destroy banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics to protect the public.
The move aims to ensure that firecracker and pyrotechnic dealers, sellers and manufacturers comply with the implementing rules and guidelines stated under Republic Act (RA) 7183 and Executive Order (EO) 28.
Under RA 7183, any person caught manufacturing, selling, distributing or using illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices will face a fine of P20,000 to P30,000, imprisonment of six months to one year, cancellation of license and business permit and confiscation of inventory stocks.
On the other hand, EO 28 issued in 2017 promulgates stricter rules and regulations on the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to prevent injuries and casualties recorded every year.