President Duterte is apparently not keen on imposing a total ban on powerful firecrackers across the country due to potential loss of jobs.
The President has asked the Cabinet to revise a draft executive order regulating the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to consider its economic implications.
“A revised EO on the firecracker ban will be submitted,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said when if the President has approved the nationwide ban on firecrackers during the Cabinet meeting last Thursday.
“The concerned agencies will look into the proposal to regulate pyrotechnics to mitigate the possible loss of jobs and at the same time enable traditional celebration of festivities,” Andanar added.
The President earlier withheld any decision on the proposed firecracker ban until he has consulted the Cabinet.
Duterte was aware that such restrictions on the firecracker industry might leave many people unemployed and affect economic growth.
The Department of Health has drafted an executive order limiting the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to professionals to prevent injuries especially during the New Year’s Eve revelry. Under the DoH proposal, firecrackers will only be used in public displays and in designated places.
Duterte implemented a firecracker ban when he was mayor of Davao City to avoid injuries. Residents in Davao City have been encouraged instead to ring in the New Year with horns and other noisemakers. (GENALYN D. KABILING)