ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--As rules and regulations for the downstream oil industry (DOI) is once again reminded to concern establishments, the Department of Energy (DOE)-Mindanao Field Office highlighted the significant role of the local government units (LGUs) for the adherence of the laid precepts of the law.
“We are existing to protect the consumers as well as remind the [LPG] players that they have to follow rules and regulations… We are reminding the LGUs that it is also their mandate [to implement the DOI rules]. As DOE, we really recognize the role of [the LGUs],” said DOE-Mindanao Field Office Senior Science Research Specialist Theodric Alingalan during the episode of Heading Online options for Protecting Consumers and Enabling Businesses (HOPE) Webinar Series of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Friday, February 18.
Alingalan discussed that under Presidential Decree No. 1865, the LGUs are tapped as the main calibrator with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) acting as the alternative.
He stressed that the calibration is not part of the mandate of the DOE, thus, unauthorized to adjust the dispensing pumps to make it right. Accordingly, the DOE can only check the actual output of the dispensed liquid fuels.
With the LGUs now prompted to uphold their DOI duties, Alingalan urged the passage of local ordinances stipulating the relevant rules and regulations and imposing equivalent penalties for violators which they can adopt from the DOE.
He underscored that strict enforcement of the law is necessary to guarantee the betterment of the industry with the consumers’ welfare protected.
“We are trying our best to improve. Ang ugali nating mga Pinoy is kung walang nagbabantay, nagvaviolate [The attitude of Filipinos is when no one is looking after them, they violate]. We have to enforce a penalty. Once they violate, they have to pay the penalty,” said Alingalan.
To capacitate interested LGUs in terms of calibration, the DOE pledges to assist by conducting calibration training. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Norte)
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