Palace says workers in firecrackers industry can look for another job within a year

December 22, 2020

Malacanang said on Tuesday that those in the firecrackers industry have one year to look for alternative livelihood as President Rodrigo Duterte is inclined to shut down the industry.

In a televised press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reiterated Duterte's plan to ban firecrackers by next year just like his policy in Davao City when he was still its mayor.

"The workers are being given one year. Within one year, we expect that the affected workers will look for alternative jobs," Roque said when asked if the government could afford to shutdown such an industry and the possible joblessness that it could create.

He noted that even the Metro Manila mayors have decided to ban firecrackers.

Roque also cited the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government to have a centralized designated firecrackers area by local government units.

Duterte earlier said that he would totally ban the use of firecrackers due to health risk it poses to the public, including children. Celerina Monte/DMS