The City of Pasay is joining other local government units in Metro Manila in banning the sale and use of firecrackers to prevent injuries this holiday season.
Among the cities that banned firecrackers and other related products are San Juan, Valenzuela, Marikina, and Paranaque. In Mandaluyong City, local officials regulated the use and sale of firecrackers.
“The Pasay City Government has imposed a total ban on fireworks during the New Year’s Eve revelry in all areas to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties,” said Mayor Imelda Rubiano.
She said the ban is in line with Executive Order No. 28 which regulate and control the use of firecrackers.
The local government of Muntinlupa also reminds the public of the on-going ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, including open pipe mufflers, and warns violators that they will be apprehended.
Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged residents to use alternative noise-making instruments and not to patronize firecrackers and open-pipe mufflers to celebrate the holidays and New Year’s Eve.
Fresnedi ordered the local Peace and Order Council, in coordination with Muntinlupa City Police Station, to put up checkpoints and conduct inspections and clearing operations on thoroughfares and marketplaces to apprehend violators.
The Muntinlupa City Council passed Ordinance No. 14-092 prohibiting the display and distribution of firecrackers in Muntinlupa as part of its efforts to reduce cases of casualties and harmful effects of pyrotechnic devices to health and the environment.
Violators will be fined with P1,000 up to P5,000 penalty. While commercial establishments selling firecrackers may face revocation of permit and license to operate in pursuant to penalties provided in the ordinance.
The Order was issued by President Rodrigo Duterte who said: “There continues to be a substantial number of firecracker related injuries, even casualties, recorder every year, some involving mere bystanders, the promulgation of stricter national standards, rules and regulations is warranted.”
Rubiano said the move is also in accordance with a resolution from the National Capital Region Peace and Order Council, which recommended the ban of the use of firecrackers in Metro Manila.
The Philippine National Police also affirmed that it will not issue special permits for community fireworks display to discourage mass gatherings as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus disease.
“The local government will not issue any special permit pursuant to the authority provided under Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2017,” said Rubiano.
The city chief executive tapped the local police, all barangay officials, members of the Pasay Public Order and Safety Unit, and the Pasay City Environment and Natural Environment Office to strictly implement the ban.
Violators will be arrested and charged under existing city ordinances; Republic Act 11332, which penalizes non-cooperation of person or entities affected by a health event of public concern; and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority).
President Duterte earlier said he sympathized with firecracker manufacturers but noted that it was the government’s duty to protect people’s health and safety.
“I really understand you. I might even sympathize with you. Loss of earnings and you are driven out of business. But the problem is the higher duty of government to protect public interest, public health,” he said.
Duterte said it was the government’s job to intervene to prevent injuries and the death rates from rising.
