By Billy Begas
Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte has filed a measure seeking to better regulate the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
In the proposed Firecracker Regulation Act (House Bill 5634), Villafuerte said that sometimes the joy of celebrating the New Year “turns into horror when the use of firecrackers results in injuries, dismembered bodies, burned houses, or death.”
“Most of the time, the victims of the irresponsible use of firecrackers are innocent children,” said Villafuerte in the explanatory note of his bill.
Under the measure, manufacturers, dealers, and wholesale distributors will be required to indicate the names and addresses of all their accredited retail stores, outlets, and re-sellers to the Firearms and Explosives Office of the Philippine National Police (PNP-FEO) as a pre-requisite for the grant of a license to engage in the manufacture and wholesale distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Local government units will be mandated to identify a zone or designate an area in their respective territorial jurisdiction where residents may use the firecrackers or conduct fireworks displays.
A single purchase of any firecracker or pyrotechnic device shall be limited to P5,000. Any corporation or entity that requires a large number of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices will need to apply for a special permit from the PNP-FEO.
Violators will be meted with a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than three years.
Parents of guardians who shall knowingly instigate the purchase of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices by their minor child or ward shall be punished with a fine of P10,000.
