Vimmie Erese, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufactures and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), said that it is just a matter of time before the local industry collapses.
She said that most if not all of the local fireworks manufacturers have reduced their production outputs as they face stiff competitions from the sale of smuggled pyrotechnics products in the local market.
This was affirmed by Celso Cruz, the chairman of the PPMDAI, who said that the industry needs to have amendments to the Firecracker Law or the Republic Act 7183.
He said that the situation prevailing during the time the law was ratified is different from the current set up.
Cruz cited the annual accidents being felt in the local industry, just like the explosions of several fireworks stalls in Bocaue town in the past few years, that only show that there is a dire need to amend the Firecracker Law with regards to the provisions on safety precautions, proper handling, transport of products, among others.
