Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday, December 30, urged the public to observe the law on firecrackers this coming New Year celebration.

Executive Order 28, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 20 this year, regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the country.

“Malapit na ang New Year’s Eve so kailangan nating sundin lang ‘yung Executive Order ng ating mahal na Pangulo na umiwas sa mga bawal na paputok,” Secretary Andanar aired in an interview over Radio Pilipinas.

He also said that there is a designated display area for the use of fireworks and asked the people to follow the Philippine National Police to prevent the risk of injuries.

On the reported impending typhoon on January 1, Andanar urged the public to be always prepared and heed the advice of the local government and weather bureau.

“Pumunta lang po kayo sa Facebook page ng Laging Handa at nakalagay ho dun ‘yung mga first aid kits na kailangan natin, kung ano ‘yung mga essentials na dapat meron tayo kapag tayo po ay dinaanan ng delubyo,” he added.

‘Jeepney modernization in 2018’

Meanwhile, the jeepney modernization program will push through as the President said so, Andanar said.

“It is not the phaseout of the jeepney per se, the jeepney as a vehicle, as the concept of a commuter vehicle. It is the phaseout of the old model,” he clarified.

Under the modernization program, the government will be phasing out dilapidated jeepney models in lieu of a more efficient, safe, comfortable, PWD-friendly and environmentally-sensitive jeepneys. ### PCO-Content