Department of Energy files charges vs 21 LPG firms

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has filed administrative and criminal charges at the Department of Justice against 21 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) companies and dealers for various trade violations.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said this is in connection with the government’s drive to protect consumers against under-filling of cylinders and other violations.

Roy V. Kyamko, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards (PTF-SEFEELS), said as of Aug. 19, the team has apprehended several violators covering the sale and distribution of LPG to the public, including the proper identification of the owners and distributors on the cylinders containing the LPG to determine liability.

“To date, three gas companies have been made to pay full administrative fines and were instructed to fully comply with the law,” Kyamko said.

“Meanwhile, some 21 cases are now awaiting resolution at the Department of Justice. Among these erring companies who violated BP (Batas Pambansa) 33 and Presidential Decree 1865 are Catgas, Savers Gas, Oil Link, Gaz Plant and Liberty Gas,” he reported.

Companies currently undergoing preliminary investigation at the DOJ are Jetti Petroleum Inc. and Dura Flame.

Meanwhile, the following cases have been submitted for resolution at the DOJ; Marife Baga-an Rollorata; Gaz Plant Inc.; MJP (Marlon Jiao Pasamba); Liberty Gaz Reynaldo Canales and Danilo Andrino; Liberty Gas (Reynaldo Canales and Robert Dela Rama Pepito); X5 Marketing and LPG Refilling Station/K CEM LPG/Ruseth General Merchandise; Demazenod Trading; WR Gas; Dura Flame Gas/Tony Del Rosario; RFRAN Gas Marketing; Angel Gas; Vony Gacho Diaz; Oil Link International Corp.; Belltics LPG Dealers; Hermit Gas Corp.; CM Noriega Gas Corp.; Savers Gas Corp.; Northern Gas Corp.; Cat Gas Corp./Capitol Trading and Transport.