Duterte eyes total fireworks ban in 2021

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is considering declaring a total ban on the use of fireworks in 2021, the same policy adopted in Davao City, his hometown.

“I was toying with the idea of making it just like Davao. Let’s just do it this way: At least, you still have one year. Maybe next December I will ban fireworks,” he said, speaking partly in Filipino, in his weeky address on Monday.

“Because it is really a dangerous thing and for reasons of public safety and health. It is a problem of health and public interest and public safety,” he added. “So I am putting you on warning that by mid-year [2021] I will issue the necessary document totally banning fireworks.”

“It will be like in our place. It’s beautiful during New Year, Christmas. We celebrate it with the family. There’s music, everything. Gaiety and all. Nobody gets wounded. Nobody dies,” he said.

[atm]