No EO yet on firecracker ban; Palace congratulates DOH

There might not be an executive order (EO) banning the use of firecrackers in the Philippines.

Malacañang said this after New Year’s Eve celebrations that saw fewer victims of firecracker accidents.

“We have yet to see a signed EO for the firecracker ban,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement. “Although we are very much aware that the President is a strong advocate of the total firecrackers ban, there are industries and laborers also that would be affected by this move.”

President Rodrigo Duterte, who imposed a ban on fireworks in Davao City, said before the elections that he plans to ban firecrackers nationwide.

READ: Duterte: Ban firecrackers nationwide

However, recent pronouncements from Malacañang show a more considerate view toward businesses and workers in the firecracker industry.

Andanar instead congratulated the Department of Health “for its very successful Iwas Paputok campaign” and the Philippine National Police and local government units for a “generally peaceful” celebration of Christmas and New Year.

“The President weighs/considers the welfare that would be for the greater good of all,” he said.

The DOH earlier claimed that casualty rate from firecracker accidents went down 60 percent to only 350 cases. CDG

READ: PNP chief:  Campaign to reduce fireworks injuries ‘resounding success’