MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Nancy Binay wants the immediate passage of a proposed measure which makes it illegal to sell firecrackers to minors.
Senate Bill (SB) 225 seeks to "reduce the number of accidents and injuries due to firecrackers, majority of which are sustained by children, by prohibiting the selling, giving, or in any way sharing of firecrackers."
According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 155 children aged 10 years old and below were injured during the recent New Year celebrations.
"While we have banned certain firecrackers such as piccolo or watusi, I think it's high time to make the law even tighter by making it illegal to sell, give or in any way share any type of firework or firecrackers to children 15 years of age and below," Binay said.
Among the banned firecrackers in the country are piccolo, watusi, pla-pla, big bawang and five star.
Even if it is banned, piccolo still caused the most number of injuries with 223 cases. According to the DOH, 317 cases of injury were caused by illegal fireworks.
According to a statement from Binay, a boy lost his hand from firecrackers while a girl from Abra died from a stray bullet during the New Year celebrations.
"Nakakalungkot po na taon-taon ay laging may mga batang nasasaktan sa mga paputok, either dahil nagpaputok sila o napuputukan ng mga firecrackers na itinapon ng ibang tao," Binay added.
The fire in Quezon City last New Year's day is also believed to be caused by firecrackers. Around 4,000 families were left homeless because of the fire.
"SB 225 carries with it a penalty of a prison term of a minimum of six months and one day to a maximum of six years or a fine not less than P50,000.00 but not exceeding P250,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the Court," Binay's statement read.
Filed in July 2013, SB 225 is still pending with the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs.