Pres. Duterte pushes enactment of firecrackers ban law

FILE: President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO PHOTO)

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte had expressed his intention to ask Congress to pass a law that would implement a nationwide ban on all firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President told his Cabinet members during Monday’s meeting that he wanted the law passed “at the soonest time possible.”

“The President also indicated that he will push for Congress to enact a law that will ban all firecrackers and pyrotechnics,” Roque said.

Roque said the President had instructed the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) to look for alternative livelihood for the 75,000 works expected to be displaced by the nationwide’ firecrackers.

“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.

Roque explained the intention of the President to impose nationwide ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics was not based on recommendation of anyone.

“It’s a result of his own prognosis that firecrackers and pyrotechnics are inimical to human health and safety,” Roque said.

Duterte, who was Davao City mayor for over 20 years, had always banned firecrackers in the city.

Roque assured that all the stakeholders in the firecrackers industry would be consulted during debates on the proposed law both in the Senate and House of Representatives.