Cities push for ordinance vs refilled butane cans

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City vice mayor has proposed an ordinance regulating the sale and transportation of refilled butane canisters within the city.

In Cebu City, Councilor David Tumulak also re-filed an ordinance prohibiting the manufacture, sale and distribution of refilled butane canisters within the city’s jurisdiction.

This came following last Wednesday’s incident at the South Coastal Road in San Isidro, Talisay City when butane canisters being carried by a truck exploded after the truck collided with other vehicles.

Under the ordinance proposed by Talisay City Vice Mayor Allan Bucao, any person or establishment selling, refilling or transporting butane canisters shall be penalized by imprisonment of three to seven days or pay a fine of up to P3, 000 to P10, 000, depending on the gravity of the offense.

The council also approved the resolution of Councilor Doroteo Emit urging residents to stop patronizing liquefied petroleum gas-filled or refilled butane cans.

The resolution further directs the business licensing division in the city not to grant and issue licenses and permits to applicants for such business without compliance and endorsement from the Department of Energy.

Emit further said that the city will also form a team that will monitor butane gas refilling stations including sellers in Talisay, as well as those who will traverse the city.

Copies of the proposed ordinance are now with the committees on laws and ordinances and peace and order for study.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Edmar Luad, the driver of the Kia Vonggo truck carrying 6000 butanes was released by the police yesterday after Luad’s boss and the owner of the auto shop that incurred damage from the explosion reached a settlement.

Cebu City council

Tumulak re-filed his proposed ordinance, which is now with the committee on laws for study.

“Gi-refile nato kay pag year 2014, gi-propose ni nato then gi-refer sa committee on laws unya wala ma’y progress,” said Tumulak, who earlier expressed alarm over the butane explosion in Talisay City.

The ordinance cited prohibitions such as butane canister must be only used once since it is not refillable; all manufacturers, dealers and distributors without business permit are not authorized to engage business; improper filing of butane gas in butane canisters; refusal of the city government inspection; selling of butane products without proper sealing; and improper storage of it.

All dealers, manufacturers, distributors, and owners of retail outlets of butane products shall prominently display in the appropriate and strategic location in their respective establishments warning signages like “No Smoking” and “No open flame and lighting of cigarettes within three meter radius” for the awareness of the consumers.

The Oil Industry Management Bureau and the DOE shall inspect quarterly the respective establishments, the ordinance further stipulates.

First time violators will be fined P3,000 and impoundment of the vehicle used to transport the products; P5,000 as well as vehicle impoundment for the second offense; and P10,000 fine, revocation of the business permit, and impoundment of the vehicle for the third offense. (FREEMAN)