Councilor wants total firecracker ban in QC

MANILA, Philippines - A Quezon City councilor filed a proposed measure that will effectively ban the sale, distribution and use of all kinds of firecrackers in the city.

“There is a need for the city government to take appropriate action to stop the continuous proliferation of all kinds of firecrackers in the market,” said sixth district councilor Melencio Castelo in a proposed ordinance.

“The annual high number of firecracker-related injuries has already spurred calls for a total firecracker ban in the country and a selective ban on fireworks.

Once approved, the ordinance will only allow the sale, distribution, and use of pyrotechnic devices in the city. A special permit is needed to sell or distribute these products.

A provision also states that all pyrotechnic devices that will be sold in the city need to have labels containing the name and address of its manufacturers, as well as warning instructions written in English and Filipino.

The proposal said that a safety precaution measure will be outlined in the implementing rules and regulations regarding the use of pyrotechnic devices.

Meanwhile, Castelo included in his measure a provision prohibiting the sale or distribution of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices to minors.

During the previous New Year celebration, 12-year-old John Kenneth Deniega died from serious head injuries due to an explosion caused by gunpowder collected from dud firecrackers. His friend, 11-year-old Mark Jason Gotos, lost both his hands and his left eye.

Violation of the Castelo’s proposed measure will merit a fine of P1,000 and/or up to one month imprisonment for the first offense; P3,000 and/or up to three months imprisonment for the second offense; and P5,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for the third offense.

The owner, proprietor, president, or general managers will be held liable if the violation is committed by a business establishment.

Once approved, the city’s department of public order and safety, business permits and licensing office, health department, fire department, and the Quezon City Police District will be tasked to formulate the implementing rules.

The measure is currently pending before the city council.