Firecracker ordinance may be futile this year

CEBU, Philippines - The proposed ordinance to allow the sale of firecrackers only at the South Road Properties (SRP) may become useless this coming Christmas season if its passage will experience another delay.

Two weeks ago, when its proponent, Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., submitted the same for final deliberation at the City Council, city legislators decided to defer discussion for another week after Councilor Sisinio Andales observed that the draft ordinance did not include the penalties that would be imposed upon violators.

Pe presented the draft again during the regular session last Wednesday, but Andales pointed out that it did not clarify whether the mere possession of a firecracker can be considered a violation. 

This seemed to irritate Pe who said Andales might as well be the one to write the draft.

“Maayo siguro Mr. Chairman nga ihatag na lang ni Konsehal Andales kining proposed ordinance aron isuwat niya’g unsay maayo. Kamo may mga abogado,” Pe said.

“Timan-i nga hapit na ang pasko angay ni nga dalion otherwise ma-useless ang atong kahago,” he added.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, the Council’s presiding officer, then instructed the three lawyer-members – Edgardo Labella, Joey Daluz III and Andales – to help Pe prepare the final draft so it can finally be approved this Wednesday.

Even after the Council’s approval, the ordinance can only be implemented after the mayor signs it and 15 days after it will be published in the newspapers.

Pe proposed the ordinance to ensure that dangerous explosive products will only be sold at the SRP and not at congested sidewalks, markets and other parts of the city.

Aside from seizure of the products, Pe is suggesting a P5,000 fine or impri-sonment of three to six months, or both fine and imprisonment, against those who will violate the ordinance. However, should violators decide to settle the case amicably, they would have to pay P2,000 at the city treasurer’s office.

He explained that there is a need to regulate the sale and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices for a peaceful and joyful environment during merry-making occasions and to avoid loss of lives and properties due to accidental explosions and fires.

While firecrackers or those that produce loud noise that can destroy persons and properties will be allowed only at the SRP, pyrotechnics can still be sold at department stores or malls.

Republic Act 7183, the law that regulates the manufacture, sale and possession of firecracker products, was enacted in 1992, but 19 years after its enactment, law enforcement personnel still fail to enforce the same strictly.

December last year, police confiscated several explosive products worth P3 million owned by Bryan Lim because these were sold inside department stores.

The law provides that explosive products shall not be transported through public utility vehicles, but most of the buyers of firecrackers in Lapu-Lapu City often ride tricycles and other public transportations, risking the lives of other passengers.

Also, firecracker vendors will no longer be allowed to let their children stay at the vending area. Violating this order means they could no longer sell their products.

Stalls would also be positioned 10 meters from each other and stall owners will be required to keep adequate supply of water on standby for untoward incidents. (FREEMAN)