DILG: ‘Pailaw’ displays still allowed in homes for New Year
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that pyrotechnic displays, known as “pailaw,” are still allowed to be used at residences to greet the New Year under Executive Order (EO) No. 28.
DILG Undersecretary Lord Villanueva explained that “pailaw” includes sparklers, luces, fountains, jumbo regular and special, mabuhay, roman candle, trompillo, airwolf, whistle device, and butterfly, as enumerated under Republic Act 7183. However, Villanueva emphasized that local government units (LGUs) have the power to ban the use of fireworks.
According to EO 28, firecrackers that explode may only be used in community fireworks displays, implemented in 2017 under former President Duterte.
The penalties for violators depend on the specific ordinance of the LGUs, with the power to impose criminal penalties.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. urged LGUs to strictly enforce their respective ordinances pertaining to the ban on firecracker use to celebrate the coming New Year to ensure the safety of their communities and lessen pyrotechnics-related injuries.
Based on DILG data, at least 1,210 LGUs have approved ordinances banning harmful firecrackers in their localities. Abalos also lauded the 35 LGUs that have complied with his recent call to pass ordinances on the same.
To achieve a safe and injury-free New Year celebration, Abalos emphasized the importance of implementing these ordinances at the grassroots level.
