IN THE KNOW: Law regulating fireworks industry

MARK ALVIC ESPLANA. Inquirer Southern Luzon

The manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are regulated under Republic Act No. 7183 to ensure public health and safety.

The law, enacted on Jan. 30, 1992, identifies the types of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices allowed, but the list was updated under the revised implementing rules and regulations in 2012.

The list is also stated in a December 2016 memorandum circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Allowed firecrackers include “baby rocket,” bawang, small trianggulo, pulling of strings, “paper caps,” “El Diablo,” “Judas’ belt,” sky rocket or kwitis, and other types with equivalent explosive content.

Allowed pyrotechnic devices are sparklers, luces, “fountain,” jumbo (regular and special), mabuhay, Roman candle, trompillo, “airwolf,” “whistle bomb,” “butterfly,” all kinds of pyrotechnic devices and other equivalent types.

Watusi, a firecracker usually ignited by friction to produce a dancing movement and a crackling sound, was the only one removed from the original list of allowed firecrackers.

Under the law, manufacturing facilities should be at least 300 meters away from the nearest residential areas. Penalties include a fine of P20,000 to P30,000 or imprisonment of six months to one year, or both.

President Duterte has announced plans to impose a nationwide ban on the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

An executive order regulating the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics has also been proposed by the Department of Health, but this has been put on hold for next year. Under the planned executive order, only trained professionals would be allowed to handle firecrackers in controlled areas.

Bills have been filed in the Senate and the House of Representatives, either amending the regulations on the firecracker industry or completely banning the use, sale and manufacture of firecrackers. All are pending at the committee level of both houses. —COMPILED BY KATHLEEN DE VILLA, INQUIRER RESEARCH

Sources: Inquirer Archives, pia.gov.ph, chanrobles.com,

senate.gov.ph, congress.gov.ph