Saturday, October 11, 2008 Vendors slam law banning firecrackers By Rimaliza Opiña
THE association of local firecracker vendors is pushing for the strict implementation of laws regulating the sale and use of pyrotechnic devises instead of banning its use.
Pending before the City Council is an ordinance prohibiting the sale of firecrackers -- similar to what is practiced in Davao City.
Officials said a ban could help save lives, limbs and properties, lessen inconvenience brought about by the noise of firecrackers as well as air pollution.
But banning the sale and use of pyrotechnic devices does not solve the problem as claimed, said Jane Gonzales president of the Baguio Paputok, Lusis at Iba Pa Association.
Gonzales, together with various agencies that are for or against the measure, are invited to a public hearing regarding the proposal on October 22 at 10 a.m. at the City Hall multipurpose hall.
Gonzales said although there are alternatives to firecrackers, such as beating pans to create noise to welcome the New Year, nothing beats the noise and lights produced by firecrackers.
"It is a tradition," she said, adding the local government should instead impose regulations to monitor the sale of prohibited pyrotechnic devises.
For several years now, the organization was issued a special permit to sell by the City Government and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Individuals, groups, and agencies that support the proposed ban said pyrotechnic devises, whether legal or illegal, are dangerous.
Gonzales said they have not been remiss in informing authorities about the sale of prohibited and illegal pyrotechnics by some vendors.
In the proposed ordinance, the selling of super lolo, rebentador, whistle bomb, bawang, and Judas belt are prohibited.
In Republic Act (RA) 7183 or the Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Pyrotechnic Devises, Judas belt and bawang are among those allowed to be sold.
Watusi was previously included in the list of items, which could be sold but this was amended following research showing accidental ingestion of yellow phosphorus is extremely toxic.
Illegal pyrotechnics devices are those that contain more than 1/3 teaspoon or .2 grams of explosives. Firecrackers that have fuses with a burning time of less than three seconds are also prohibited.
