By Liza Soriano
MANILA — As the New Year festivities come near, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated his call for a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers.
“While significant reductions in the number of fireworks-related injuries have happened over the years due to greater government regulation, it would be ideal to further reduce, if not eliminate, fireworks-related injuries by prohibiting any person or business establishment to manufacture, sell, discharge firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices except for authorized fireworks displays,” Gatchalian said.
“As much as we want to enjoy the holiday festivities, it remains crucial to ensure our celebrations are conducted with utmost safety and well-being in mind,” he emphasized.
The senator emphasized Senate Bill 1144, which would amend Republic Act 7183, also known as An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, if it were to become law.
The bill will be known as the Firecrackers Prohibition Act.
“The public should be mindful of the psychological trauma and anxiety disorders that they may experience due to firecracker-related explosions,” Gatchalian said, also noting the impact of firecrackers on pets.
“Taon-taon na lang, hindi nawawala ang mga nabibiktima ng mga paputok. Taon-taon na lang, nananawagan tayo na maraming ibang paraan ang pwedeng gawin para ipagdiwang ang Bagong taon nang masaya at maingay, hindi lang sa pamamagitan ng mga paputok,” he said.
(IAmigo/MNM)
