Press Release
January 5, 2016

Nancy reiterates call to ban selling firecrackers to minors

Senator Nancy Binay today reiterated her plea to pass a measure she proposed way back in 2013 which seeks to prevent minors from buying or being given firecrackers.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that New Year revelry-related injuries have reached 760 as of 6 a.m. of January 3. The agency said 753 were caused by firecrackers.

Piccolo, an illegal firecracker, remains the leading cause of New Year-related injuries with 337 cases.

"We already banned piccolo, pla-pla, and watusi but year after year, minors gain access to these illegal firecrackers. I believe that a law that will protect our youth from the dangers of firecrackers is already long overdue," Binay said.

Senate Bill No. 225, filed by Binay on July 1, 2013, seeks to "reduce the number of injuries sustained by children by prohibiting the selling, giving, or in any way sharing of firecrackers."

Once passed, violators who give children 15 years old and below access to firecrackers will face a prison term of at least six months and one day to six years or a fine not less than P50,000 but not more than P250,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.

But SB 225, along with two other similar bills seeking to regulate the use of fireworks and firecrackers, are still pending in the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs.

"Sana ay pagtuunan naman ng pansin ang mga panukalang batas na naglalayong protektahan ang ating mamamayan. Panahon na upang mas paigtingin pa ng gobyerno ang mga hakbang na mag-iiwas sa ating mamamayan, lalo na po sa kabataan, mula sa kapahamakan," Binay said.

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