Health department proposes regulating firecrackers in draft executive order to Palace
The health department said Friday a proposed executive order seeking to limit use of firecrackers and fireworks will regulate the use of the latter.
In an interview, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the proposal they submitted to Malacanang is “not be a total ban on firecrackers. It’s just regulated use.”
“The ones who will be lighting up the firecrackers will be trained professionals and in a controlled area,” said Ubial.
“We just have to have it regulated so that we will have fewer injuries,” said Ubial. Injuries due to use of firecrackers, especially illegal ones, spike during New Year’s revelry.
She said pyrotechnics will remain “unregulated” and can be used by everyone.
“Pyrotechnics, like sparklers and others, we will still allow them for individual use,” said Ubial.
Earlier, the health department had said that they are looking to regulate use and possession of fireworks and firecrackers to trained professionals.
Ubial said the health department is hopeful the proposed executive order on firecrackers and pyrotechnics will be signed in December.
“We will have a press conference on December 5. I hope we can have this EO (by then),” said Ubial. DMS
