By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Citing Davao City under the Dutertes and Quezon City that imposed a total ban on firecrackers, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Monday (18 December 2023), that he prefers a total ban on firecrackers that cause undue injuries during New Year celebrations.
Speaking on the sidelines of various agencies’ “LAB for All, Christmas for All” gift-giving event, the DILG chief said local government units should pass ordinances that will ban firecrackers in homes and other spaces.
“Nananawagan ako sana ang mga LGU, magpasa ng gaya ng ginawa ng Davao at Quezon City, ng firecracker ban. Ibig sabihin ‘yung mga pumuputok. Kasi nakita naman natin ‘yung mga daliri napuputol, i-ban na natin totally ‘yun,” Abalos said.
He also asked local government units to sponsor community viewings of fireworks displays instead of tolerating firecrackers that caused injuries.
Just to let you know, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order 28 banning fireworks in households or places of residence nationwide.
Only community fireworks displays supervised by licensed individuals are allowed.
Some political observers told Maharlika NuMedia that Abalos is also eyeing to run for senator under either the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) of President Ferdinand R I Marcos Jr. or under the Lakas-CMD of presidential cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G Romualdez in 2025.
Abalos served as PBBM’s national campaign manager during the 2022 national elections.
(ai/mnm)
