Gov’t urged to study effects of firecracker ban

Before implementing a nationwide ban on firecrackers, the government should first study its effect on the local firecracker industry, Sen. Joel Villanueva said through a resolution.

“There is a need to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, to craft legislation aimed at addressing issues affecting the industry, particularly the safety and health of the workers and the community and the impact of the proposed nationwide fireworks and pyrotechnic ban on the would- be affected workers in the industry and the economy as a whole,” Villanueva said in his Senate Resolution 242. Villanueva chairs the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resource development.

Villanueva said industry workers should be given greater protection, citing deadly accidents in Bocaue and Sta. Maria, Bulacan caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The Department of Labor and Employment earlier issued a work stoppage order against all establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers as authorities check on their compliance with applicable occupational safety and health standards.

The Department of Health has been tasked to draft an executive order to implement the ban, similar to what has been done in the President’s home province of Davao.

President Duterte has stated the ban would not be implemented this year as his Cabinet is still studying it.

As mayor of Davao City for decades, Duterte enforced a firecracker ban to avoid fatalities and injuries.

The President has acknowledged a nationwide ban would have substantial economic impact on the livelihood of thousands.

Villanueva noted there are 68 registered manufacturers of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in the country.