You might not be able to end that fairytale wedding you have planned with a Disney-esque fireworks display.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told reporters yesterday that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will ask congress to draft a law that will totally ban firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the country.
“He wants congress to enact this law at the soonest time possible so that the public debate on the banning of fireworks and pyrotechnics could begin as early as possible,” Roque said.
According to The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Duterte raised the possibility of the total ban during a cabinet meeting on Monday.
This comes after Duterte limited the use of firecrackers to designated areas and banned people from using them inside their homes.
It is considered lucky to literally ring in the New Year by making noise so Filipinos traditionally buy a bunch of firecrackers and light them up inside their homes. And yes, it’s as dangerous as it sounds.
The Department of Health (DOH) recorded more than 600 firecracker-related injuries during the Christmas and New Year season in 2016. But with the Duterte’s ban already in effect last month, the DOH recorded a little less than 500 firecracker injuries during the holidays.
READ: Less New Year injuries after Duterte order limiting firecracker use
Last week, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said that he plans to recommend a total ban to the president and said that this was their end goal.
“I think that should be a subject of discussions, study and discussions, within the official arm of the Department of Health that can make the recommendation as you mentioned. I think the end goal really is to ban fireworks completely. And I think eventually that should be the ultimate goal,” he said.
Roque assures that those working in the firecracker industry — about 75,000 people — will be guided by the government in transitioning to new businesses.
“[Duterte] instructed the Department of Trade and Industry to look for alternative livelihood for the would-be displaced workers,” he said.
Those working in the industry will also be consulted as congress discusses the law.
