Press Release
December 30, 2018

NANCY BINAY TO PUBLIC: SAFETY FIRST, BE CREATIVE FOR NEW YEAR
...urges LGUs to organize community events to keep kids away from accidents

In order to prevent any tragic incident in welcoming the new year, Senator Nancy Binay on Sunday said it is best for everyone to keep safety at the forefront of the New Year's eve celebration.

According to Binay, it is essential to be conscious of safety in such situations, and called on the Filipino public to employ more creative ways to usher in the New Year instead of resorting to fireworks and firecrackers.

She also urged authorities to strictly monitor vendors selling illegal firecrackers to protect the public.

"As a parent, mas magandang maging creative tayo sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon. I welcome limiting the use of firecrackers para na rin maprotektahan natin ang mga bata," Binay said.

She also urged local government units, particularly barangays, to instead organize activities that will foster a deeper sense of community among residents.

"Baka pwedeng magpa-KTV na lang si mayor, o 'di kaya magpa-street party. Hindi naman kailangang magarbo. Hindi rin kailangang sagot lahat. Uso naman sa atin ang potluck at pitch in sa mga gastusin," Binay added.

She said that the rise in prices of basic goods due to record inflation numbers could nevertheless dissuade families from purchasing firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

"Dala ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin, hindi na rin praktikal para sa maraming pamilya ang gumamit ng mga paputok. Sana piliin na lang ang mga mas mahalagang bilihin," the senator said.

Binay has filed in the last two Congresses a bill to "reduce the number of injuries sustained by children by prohibiting the selling, giving, or in any way sharing of firecrackers."

Senate Bill 367 carries with it a penalty of a prison term of a minimum of six months and one day to a maximum of six years or a fine not less than P50,000.00 but not exceeding P250,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the Court for any person caught selling, giving, or any way share any type of fireworks or firecrackers to children 15 years old and below.

The senator said that the PNP should exhaust all efforts to significantly reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries this year.

Fireworks-related injuries have been on the decline from 633 cases in 2016 to 463 cases last year, the DOH revealed.

News Latest News Feed