Duterte bats for nationwide fireworks ban

President Rodrigo Duterte wanted a law that would ban the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics nationwide “at the soonest possible time,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed on Tuesday.

Roque said this was discussed during the 21st Cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon.

“The President also indicated that he will push for Congress to enact a law that will ban all firecrackers and pyrotechnics,” he said in a Palace briefing.

“He wants Congress to enact this law at the soonest time possible so that the public debate on the banning of fireworks and pyrotechnics could begin as early as possible,” he added.

Roque said the Mr. Duterte has ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to look for alternative livelihood for those workers who stand to be affected by the proposed law.

“Now, he realizes that there will be about 75,000 individuals who are working in this industry. He instructed the Department of Trade and Industry to look for alternative livelihood for the would-be displaced workers,” he said.

In June 2017, Duterte signed an executive order (EO), regulating the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the country.

READ:  Duterte orders regulated, controlled use of firecrackers

EO No. 28 confines the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices “to community fireworks display” in order to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.         /kga