Butane refilling outlets illegal

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak admitted that re-fillers of butane canisters are operating without the necessary permit from the local government and the Department of Energy.

Tumulak, who sits as city government’s representative to the Task Force Butane, said that butane refilling outlets do not have business permit and standard compliance certificate from DOE.

“Until now, wala gihapon bisan usa sa mga suppliers and distributors ang ni-apply for [Standards Compliance Certificate] ngadto sa DOE. Bisan pa sa atong City Treasurer’s Office wala say ni-apply for business permit,” Tumulak said.

Tumulak also heads the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The city government convened on November 6 the different agencies to discuss efforts to resolve the rampant operation of illegal refilling outlets.

It was during the meeting that the Task Force Butane led by DOE-7 was created. The Task Force is composed of the Bureau of Fire Protection-7, Cebu City Police Office, and Department of Trade and Industry-7.

He said they were able to meet owners of refilling outlets who committed to comply with the required documents.

“Naka-meet na mi. Ang giingon nila nga they will comply. Right after sa meeting namo, unya nagpagawas sila nga they will comply. But until now,  nanawag  ko sa  DOE-7 wala may ni-comply,” said Tumulak.

He clarified that these industry participants need to secure a separate permit apart from merchandising since the nature of their business is categorized under flammable or combustible.

The safety and legality of refilling operations had been questioned following an explosion allegedly caused by the use of butane canister in Barangay Kinasang-an that left at least eight persons injured.

“Dili pa jud nato sila matawag og legitimate because they haven’t complied yet, so they are considered illegal,” Tumulak said.

He presented to the media a copy of DOE’s circular that provides the rules and regulations governing LPG industry.

According to the circular, every LPG industry participant is required to acquire the documentary requirement from DOE field office for the issuance of the Standards Compliance Certificate. The applicant needs to specify the particular industry activity they will engage in.

Engaging in LPG business without SCC is prohibited and is considered “illegal trading”.

Re-fillers are likewise asked to secure the following supporting documents: Registration of business from DTI or Securities and Exchange Commission; Zoning and Locational Clearance; Barangay Business Clearance; Building Permit; Environmental Compliance Certificate from the DENR; Business Permit; Fire Safety Inspection Certificate; Permit to Operate Unfire Pressure Vessel from the Department of Labor and Employment; Product Liability Insurance Certificate; Plant layout; and Supply contract and agreement, among others.

“Ang government units nagpaabot kanunay sa pagtuman sa mga negosyante niini and if not, mao na ang hitabo-a nga mangayo na lang ta og pasaylo nila. Ipatuman na jud ang balaud para sa kaluwasan sa katawhan,” said Tumulak.

Under the same circular, DOE inspectors should monitor and inspect on a regular basis LPG industry participants to ensure their compliance with existing rules and regulations.

DOE monitoring operations, it added, may be done with the assistance of other concerned government agencies such as the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation or any other similar enforcement agencies, during the confiscation of cylinders found to be in violation of the provisions of DOE policies to ensure and provide security to life and property.

 “We urged them (DOE-7) to enforce the law… We cannot jeopardize the safety of the public. Ang atoa kay ang kaluwasan sa publiko sa paggamit sa mga butane ug LPG kay dili ta gusto magpaabot nga aduna na say lain nga mahitabo nga disgrasya tungod sa butane,” he said. (FREEMAN)