Local government units (LGUs) have vital functions in campaigning against malpractices in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry under the Republic Act 11592, also known as the LPG Industry Regulation Act.
The Department of Energy (DOE) emphasized this statement during the recent gathering of the Iloilo-Guimaras Information Officers Association.
Engineer Jose Rey Maleza, chief of the Energy Industry Management Division of DOE-Visayas, stressed these LGUs are a huge help in identifying LPG industry participants who are violating the provisions of the law.
“It is the LGU who will be in the forefront to fight the illegal activity in the LPG industry,” Maleza emphasized, adding that the national government agencies also bear responsibilities as defined in RA 11592.
The DOE echoed the law implementation which entails the registration and issuance of a license to operate, as well as compliance with standards.
With this, LGUs have the right to suspend or revoke, upon due notice and hearing, the business permit or license of an LPG industry participant upon the issuance by the DOE of a notice of suspension or revocation of its license to operate.
They are tasked to communicate to the DOE the suspension or revocation of the business permit or license of an LPG industry participant within five days from such suspension or revocation.
Corresponding penalties will be given for law violators.
LGUs, too, are mandated to coordinate with the DOE in transporting, hauling, storing, decanting, and disposing of confiscated LPG, LPG pressure vessels, and ancillary equipment.
In terms of LPG dedicated for automotive use, Maleza said that the Treasurer’s Office in every locality is authorized to conduct the calibration of LPGs to ensure consumer protection.
The DOE also reminded the public to utilize calibrated weighing scales of LPG traders, sellers, and retailers when buying the product with an attached receipt and LPG serial number.
To note, RA 11592 was signed on October 14, 2021 in which the government instituted reforms to the existing standards of conduct and codes of practice for the LPG industry. (PIA Iloilo)