Firecracker bill awaiting House approval

MANILA, Philippines — Despite President Duterte’s stance against firecrackers, the House of Representatives has yet to pass a bill seeking stricter measures in the use and sale of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

House Bill 8085 aims to improve Republic Act 7183 or the law on firecrackers by requiring manufacturers, dealers and wholesale distributors to report to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

These manufacturers, dealers and wholesale distributors of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are required to report all their accredited retail stores, outlets and re-sellers to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO). 

Under the bill authored by Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, the FEO report will be needed in applying for a license to engage in the manufacture and wholesale distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. 

Stores, outlets, dealers, distributors and resellers are also required to secure a permit to sell from the PNP before they can engage in the sale or distribution of such items. 

“The joy of celebrating the New Year with firecrackers is sometimes done with reckless abandon. The joy suddenly turns into horror when the use of firecrackers results in injuries, dismembered bodies, burned houses or death,” Villafuerte said. 

He said there is a need for more rigid measures, noting that most of the victims of the irresponsible use of firecrackers are children.