Hinigaran Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo voiced opposition to a proposal by the Department of Health (DOH) calling for a total ban on the use of firecrackers. In an interview with Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod, the mayor said the proposal will affect residents of his town who rely on the firecracker and pyrotechnics business.
Arceo suggested, instead of a total ban, the national government should push for stricter regulations. He also revealed plans to request the local town council to pass a resolution voicing their sentiment regarding the DOH proposal.
Earlier, DOH secretary, Dr. Francisco Duque, pushed for an absolute ban on the use of firecrackers, stating, “Nothing good is coming out in its use.”
“[You] are only having temporary amusement in exchange for eternal disability, is it worth it?” the cabinet official asked.
Additionally, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) backed the proposal as BFP spokesperson, Fire Senior Superintendent Geranddie Agonos, pointing out, “Legal firecrackers can still cause damage.”/DGB, WDJ