Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 28)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 28 is to provide for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to ensure public safety, order, and national security, while preserving cultural traditions.
A fireworks display qualifies as a community fireworks display if it (a) is conducted on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than a place of residence; (b) is conducted under the supervision of a trained person duly licensed by the PNP; and (c) is allowed by the municipality or city concerned through a permit specifying the date, time, and specific area of the display in conformity with national standards, rules, and regulations.
The Director-General of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is directed to promulgate criteria for what constitutes prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of the Executive Order.
Yes, pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks displays, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are responsible for promulgating the implementing rules and regulations.
Local chief executives are authorized to promulgate necessary rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices within their territorial jurisdiction, in conformity with national standards, rules, and regulations.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with other concerned agencies and local government units, shall have the primary responsibility for enforcement, including inspections and confiscation and destruction of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The Department of Health, Department of Education, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local government units are tasked to conduct information campaigns on the dangers of using fireworks.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
Executive Order No. 28 took effect immediately upon its signing on June 20, 2017.