Duterte suspends issuance of new permits to firecracker makers

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnesses the performances of competing street dancers during his attendance to the 39th Masskara Festival held at the Public Plaza in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on October 27, 2018. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended the granting of new licenses and permits to manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Duterte signed Memorandum Order No. 31 last Oct. 29, instructing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies to strictly implement laws and regulations on the sale, manufacture and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

He said the processing of new licenses and permits will be suspended pending review of existing licensees’ and permittees’ compliance with laws and regulations.

“The suspension herein ordered shall remain in effect until declared lifted by the Office of the President upon the recommendation of the PNP Chief and his submission of a report on the review undertaken on existing licenses and permits,” the memorandum read.

Duterte has also directed the PNP to revoke licenses and permits of those found violating existing laws.

Republic Act No. 7183 authorizes the PNP to process applications for the issuance of licenses or permits.

Under his memorandum, Duterte ordered the PNP to conduct inspections, confiscate and destroy prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, and strictly prohibit the import of such devices.

The PNP has also been directed to strictly prohibit the sale of firecrackers to “anyone under 18 years of age.”

In June 2017, Duterte issued Executive Order No. 28 regulating the use of firecrackers and fireworks due to “firecracker-related injuries and deaths.”

According to the Department of Health, the prohibited “Piccolo” is the top cause of firecracker-related injuries.