Councilor proposes new firecracker ordinance

A NEW law banning the individual use of firecracker and pyrotechnic devices in Baguio City has been proposed by the City Council.

Councilor Joel Alangsab said the purpose of the ordinance aims to safeguard public health.

“The ordinance aims ensure the well-being of all its constituents by protecting them from the harmful effects of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices through individual use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers and other explosives,” he added.

The proposed ordinance applies to all whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not in consonance with the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 declaring the right of every citizen to breathe clean air.

Alangsab added it is a common tradition among citizens to use firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to celebrate events of personal, religious, cultural and national importance, however, since 2007, there were 222 recorded fireworks related injury in Baguio City despite the prohibition in the selling of firecracker and pyrotechnic devices.

“Executive order No 28, Series of 2017 provides for the regulation and control of use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, unfortunately, the same was not properly observed or implemented. Thus, this proposed ordinance aimed to provide a localize mechanism for the implementation of the said executive order and strengthen the national government’s campaign against firecracker and pyrotechnic devices related injuries,” the ordinance said.

If the law is passed, penalties for violators will be imposed for as low as P1,000 to as high as P5,000 or face imprisonment.

Alangsab likewise provided for the creation of a Task Force to aid in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of the new law.

The measure was passed on first reading during Monday’s regular session.

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