Radaza clarifies butane ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - Businessmen in Lapu-Lapu City selling and distributing butane canisters re-filled with liquefied petroleum gas may have misinterpreted the city's butane ordinance, Mayor Paz Radaza said.

Radaza clarified that the butane ordinance, which was approved March this year, has "differentiated" which items are approved and prohibited.

"I think we differentiated kung unsay ginadili ug unsay okay. Those refilled, through LPG, mao to'y di pwede… strong ang buto ana, considering the pressure. Ang ginadili lang nato kay ang katong re-filled," Radaza said.

A week ago, a businessman who sells and refills butane canisters with LPG has suggested that the city regulate instead of banning the items totally.   Radaza said the public was consulted even before the ordinance was passed. The consultation was attended by the Department of Energy, the agency that knows advantages and the disadvantages of the use of LPG-refilled butane canisters.

"Before nato gi-pasar, gi-eksplikar na," she said.

She said that she heard reports that some of the businessmen felt that the ordinance is not fair, as some of the restaurants or food establishments are still using butane.

Radaza clarified these establishments are not using LPG canisters re-filled with butane but "they are butane canisters bought from authorized butane retailers."

Radaza said those who are opposing the ordinance are simply looking after their own interest and not the welfare of the community.

"Timbang-timbangon siguro nato ang safety sa katawhan ug ang pag-negosyo. Di man nato buot nga wagtangon ang panginabuhi sa katawhan, sayop ang ilahang pag-interpret," the mayor said. (FREEMAN)