LPG refillers told to police own ranks

Energy Secretary Vincent Perez Jr. recently called on the LPG Refillers Association of the Phils. (LPGRA) to ensure that their ranks "are not infiltrated by elements who may possibly be involved in the unauthorized refilling and selling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)."

Perez made the call in the wake of an ongoing nationwide crackdown by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Bureau of investigation (NBI) against facilities engaging in the illegal LPG refilling business. Three major establishments were recently raided by the NBI. These are the Republic Gas Corp. in Malabon, Omni Gas Corp. in Pasig City and the Northland Gas Corp. in Laoag City.

Recently, the LPGRA asked the Pasig Regional Trial Court to stop the DOE from implementing a memorandum circular which raised penalties for the illegal refilling and sale of LPGs from P10,000 per apprehension to P10,000 per cylinder involved in the apprehension.

The Pasig RTC, however, junked the petition for a temporary restraining order. Perez hailed the decision saying the increased penalties "reflect our anger against the risks to which our loved ones are exposed due to these unsafe products."

Perez advised the LPGRA "to closely cooperate with the government as we strive to ensure the total safety of all LPG products." He said this is important "because these products are used in most homes by the household member we love most – our wives and mothers."

Perez said NBI reports showed that most LPG cylinders used in the illegal refilling trade are usually damaged and lack the necessary safety features found only in the authorized products. He also warned that illegally-refilled LPGs tend to be underweight by as much as 35 percent.

He also told the LPGRA that the government is pushing for the swift passage of a bill establishing higher quality standards for LPG products and stricter law enforcement against illegal refilling. The bill puts into one code the various LPG-related measures and is designed "to make the LPG industry participants accountable and responsible for their products."

The bill requires LPG industry players to secure safety clearances and accreditation. The requirements, he said, will "weed out backyard refillers and pave the way for the adoption in international best business practices in the industry developed by the World Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association."

Perez said he expects the LPGRA to help disseminate the provisions of the proposed code to its members and encourage them to support its implementation.

"We have to work together to ensure that LPG products are risk-free to the highest possible level," Perez said.

In a related development, the Davao City Regional Trial Court convicted Marietta Jean Fanlo for crimes related to the unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders. Earlier, Judge Alfredo Flores convicted Elmer Mosqueda for similar offenses.