Gov’t to create Task Force LPG

Three government agencies have joined forces to adopt measures aimed at stopping the proliferation and use of unsafe and substandard liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders in the market.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila intend to come up with measures to penalize unscrupulous distributors of LPG.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao and Bureau of Fire Protection chief Director Rogelio Asignado vowed to help in the implementation of the proposed measures.

Reyes said the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) agreed to create Task Force LPG, particularly in the provinces, to help monitor compliance with the law pertaining to the sale of LPG cylinders.

"Through the task forces in the different LGUs, we can certainly put a stop to the commission of prohibited practices in the business of retailing LPGs, which is a continuous hazard and threat to the health and safety of the public," Reyes said.

Reyes, Lotilla and Favila have signed a memorandum of agreement, stipulating the creation of Task Force LPG in each province, independent component city and highly urbanized city, which shall be led by the respective governor and city mayor and supported by designated officials of the DILG through the BFP, DTI and DOE.

Under the agreement, the DILG shall persuade concerned mayors to suspend the operation of business establishments that are found violating existing laws, rules and regulations involving LPG cylinders.

The mayors will be asked to withhold the issuance of business permits of establishments that have not complied with requirements.

DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Marius Corpus said the BFP will enforce PD 1185 and its implementing rules and regulations in order to protect and maintain public safety and fire safety. The BFP will assist the DTI and DOE in the identification of unsafe, uncertified or substandard LPG cylinders for confiscation.

The PNP will investigate persons and establishments suspected to be criminally violating existing laws, rules and regulations on LPG, including the filing of criminal charges and assistance in the confiscation of cylinders and other devices.

For its part, the DTI will confiscate and take custody of unsafe, uncertified or substandard cylinders, sanction LPG manufacturers and refillers found to be not complying with the conditions of their accreditation.