FIRECRACKER BAN IN OLONGAPO STAYS

“To promote public safety, peace, and security, the city government has implemented a total ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices within the territorial jurisdiction of Olongapo City by virtue of Ordinance No. 63, series of 2008, the firecracker ban is in effect the whole year round and will be more stringently observed on the upcoming festive season especially on New Year’s Eve,” Mayor James “Bong” Gordon explained.

According to the said ordinance, firecrackers are fire hazards and may cause bodily harm, injuries or even deaths and violation of the said law will be penalized as follows:

1. For the first offense, a fine of One Thousand Pesos (PhP1,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than One (1) month but no less than twenty (20) days, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court. In addition thereto, the concerned business establishment’s business permit shall be suspended and it shall be ordered to be closed by the City Government for a period not less than three (3) months but not more than six (6) months;

2. For the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (PhP3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Three (3) months but not less than One (1) month, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. In addition thereto, the concerned business establishment’s business permit shall be suspended and it shall be ordered to be closed by the City Government for a period not less than six (6) months and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) months; and,

3. For the Third offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP 5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than Three (3) months, or fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court. In addition thereto, the concerned business establishment’s business permit shall be immediately revoked by the City Government and it shall be ordered permanently closed.

If the violation is committed by a business establishment, the President/General Manager or other person, acting in behalf of either the President or General Manager shall be held liable in the case of a corporation or partnership, or the owner or proprietor or the person acting in his behalf shall be held responsible in the case of a single proprietorship.

Pao/sara