Should firecrackers be banned?

A nationwide ban on firecrackers has been in the news since President Rodrigo Duterte took office. In the President’s hometown Davao City, a firecracker ban has been successfully enforced to avoid injuries and fatalities.

Firecrackers play a big part of New Year’s celebration in the Philippines. Aside from the fun firecrackers bring, it is believed that the noise they make wards off evil spirits and bad luck for the coming year.

Perhaps we should do what they do in other countries, where the countdown is accompanied with a huge fireworks display in main public venues like at Times Square in New York or the Champs Elysées in Paris, so that Filipinos can welcome the New Year with a visual feast — and safely, too.

Wynn Wynn Ong, jewelry designer

I think the issue has two facets: One is the safe manufacturing of fireworks and the sale of safe fireworks. Both should be regulated year-round and the regulatory bodies have to consistently enforce it. They should be held accountable if they fail but they should also have the power to shut down those who don’t pass the standards. The second is the sale of fireworks. I think if the first facet is done well, there wouldn’t be a need to regulate the sale. Fireworks are a huge part of childhood, which we enjoy even as adults. It would be sad to take away the simple joy of looking up at the night sky and seeing starbursts and showers of stars.

Grace Lee, TV personality and restaurateur

There is nothing like fireworks to add excitement to any celebration. But even beautiful things, in the hands of wrong people, can turn destructive. I’m against the retail of fireworks to the general public. These are chemical explosives. They must only be handled by professionals.

Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Communications office

Firecrackers should be regulated. Reiterating what the President said, we should also consider the capital already spent by firecracker businessmen (who have purchased supplies for sale). To ban the practice at this time will be unfair for the industry.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Toto” Tan II

I think it should be banned.

Mitch Valdes, comedienne, actress

A performer is good enough.

Agoo Bengzon, beauty editor

I don’t think all fireworks should be banned since it is a fun and visual spectacle that has become a tradition for us to welcome in the New Year. I do believe, however, that there ought to be some restrictions, and that fireworks should only be distributed and sold by reputable companies that meet certain standards for safety. I also don’t think children under 18 should be handling fireworks without the supervision of an adult.

Judith Los Baños, director, marketing communications of Marco Polo Hotel

Firecrackers have been a symbol of celebrations and festivities. It gives us the mesmerizing feeling that we are celebrating, whether it’s the New Year or another occasion, by just looking at the exploding lights. Banning these will make New Year celebrations incomplete.

DPWH Usec. Karen Jimeno, lawyer, columnist

Yes. The entertainment value of firecrackers is outweighed by the risks and disadvantages. The majority of accidents during New Year’s celebrations are caused by firecrackers. They also cause air pollution.

Biñan City Rep. Len Alonte

It has become a common tradition for Filipino families to welcome the New Year and any important celebration with firecrackers. Some forms of firecrackers should be banned. Let us not lose traditions and beliefs over unsafe practices. We can have a controlled environment that allows safety as a primary concern and continue to experience the euphoria, happiness and bonding moments family and friends enjoy.

Anything can be considered unsafe if it is not handled properly. The same applies to firecrackers. To ensure safety, authorities should strictly monitor the type of firecrackers that are being sold and uphold safety standards with producers. The use of firecrackers should also only be allowed at designated times.

Hopefully, in the future, the new tradition that will evolve is for communities to pitch in together to have wonderful firework displays that everyone can enjoy instead of the deadly firecrackers that can cause severe harm and permanent damage.

Pinky Yee, new business group director, Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc.

Firecrackers have long been a traditional part of Filipino celebrations (especially during New Year), but as we know, traditions can also be abused and can end up being harmful. I believe that firecrackers should only be allowed within proper boundaries, and under strict regulations. For example, the intensity of firecrackers should be limited for individuals and/ or non-commercial use. Moreover, certain closed-cluster neighborhoods should be “off-limits” for firecrackers and manufacturers should conform to stringent safety standards. That way, we can keep the industry alive, add color and excitement to festivities, and most importantly, prevent injuries.

Gino Gonzalez, chef

Yes, I am for the banning of firecrackers. They pollute the environment and expose everyone to unnecessary injuries. I honestly enjoyed it during my childhood but I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t get injured. I was too young to understand the repercussions to oneself and the environment. There are many others ways to celebrate New Year through food and drinks. The most important thing is to be with family or your loved ones.