LPG group seeks speedy prosecution of violators

The Philippine Association of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Cylinder Manufacturers Inc. (PALCMI) is calling for the speedy prosecution of unscrupulous traders found to have violated the LPG laws.

PALCMI president Mercedita G. Pastrana said his group supports the move of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute erring LPG merchants.

"It is important for the government to take the lead in penalizing the violators. They should be forced to pay their respective penalties," Pastrana said.

It was noted that of the P8-million total penalties slapped on these erring traders, only P360,000 has been collected todate. Among the rampant illegal activities in the LPG market include underfilling, tampering of seals, and manufacturing of sub-standard LPG cylinders which put the end-consumers at a big disadvantage.

Another concern is the proliferation of imported second-hand cylinders from Japan and Korea which apparently are able to enter into the market without the required import clearance certificate.

Industry sources said most of those who pay the penalties are the small traders. "Those who refuse to pay penalties are big players in the industry," the sources said.

The PALCMI official said they want the government to set a precedent and show the public that it means business.

"How can the DOE Steering Committee be able to suggest stricter rules if the violators are not being penalized. Who will believe that the committee’s suggestion will be enforced when the existing rules are not being followed," she said.

Sources said that there are a number of LPG traders who continue to engage in their illegal activities although they have been found violating the law. "They should be stopped from operating a preventive measure," the sources said.

The DOE steering committee is composed of representatives from the DOE (as chairman) and various associations/organizations in the LPG industry.

Pastrana said that aside from slapping penalties and collecting these fines properly, the government should recommend closure of those traders who are frequently engaged in illegal LPG activities. – Donnabelle Gatdula