EDITORIAL - A serious issue on public safety

Local authorities should look into the proliferation of butane refill canisters around Cebu City, especially in the downtown area, following a recent explosion that has revived the serious issue about public safety regarding their use.

Any inquiry should also include whether those dealers of butane refill canisters have complied with the safety standards. This is in line with the mounting concerns about allegations of their unregulated proliferation.

Mayor Michael Rama had called for a ban on the sale of butane refill canisters in the city, saying an ordinance is needed to protect people's lives against any incident stemming from their unregulated production.

His declaration came after a butane canister exploded and injured at least eight persons in Barangay Kinasang-an last Tuesday. The mayor also asked the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy to help in the implementation once any ordinance against unregulated sale of butane canisters is approved.

Rama's move gets the support of the Bureau of Fire Protection, whose fire marshal, Rogelio Bongabong Jr., admitted that his agency has no guidelines on how to deal with the illegal refilling of butane canisters.

His proposal, however, will undergo further study at the City Council. Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella said the legality of banning the sale of butane refill canister should be looked into by the legislative body.

Abella, the chairman of the council committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, even suggested that City Hall should look into whether those selling butane canisters have business permits.

Of course, the mayor's proposal is good. Any ordinance banning butane refill canisters would mean an end to any unregulated production in the city. But given his unfriendly relationship with the majority at the City Council, any approval of such measure could be delayed.

But if the mayor is serious about his move, he should not wait for any council ordinance. All he has to do is order those concerned City Hall offices to conduct massive inspection of stores selling butane refill canisters around the city.