ILLEGAL SALE. Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves has ordered authorities to run after illegal sellers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), such as those in refillable canisters. This is in support of the campaign of the Department of Energy against unauthorized sellers and distributors. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves has ordered authorities to stop the illegal sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly in the hinterland areas of the province.
“This is in response and support to the request of the Department of Energy (DOE) to support their campaign against the proliferation of illegal LPG businesses,” said Capitol information officer-designate Oliver Lemence in mixed English and Cebuano during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“This comes at a time when the people are suffering from the never-ending increase in fuel prices,” he added, quoting the governor as saying.
Lemence said regional director Russ Mark Gamallo, DOE Region 7 officer-in-charge, met with the governor here recently, where the officials identified several people selling illegal LPG either in bottles, barrels, or refillable canisters.
These acts are prohibited under Batas Pambansa Bilang 33, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1865, which prohibits illegal trading of petroleum and/or petroleum products without license or authority, which carries a fine of not less than PHP20,000 and imprisonment of at least two years but not more than five years.
Teves has asked the help of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection in running after the illegal sellers of LPG and other similar products that may be “detrimental to public safety and general welfare” Lemence said. (PNA)
