Tumulak asks DOE 7: Comments on move to ban refilled butane

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak wants the Department of Energy (DOE) to submit its comments and recommendations on his proposed measure that seeks to ban the manufacture, sale or distribution of refilled butane canisters in the city.

In doing so, Tumulak said, the City Government can come up with guidelines on the matter.

Tumulak filed his proposed ordinance before the City Council in 2014 yet but this was sent to the committee on laws for further study. The proposed measure was submitted again in 2016.

DOE, he said, has yet to issue its comments and recommendations on the matter.

Tumulak said among the concerns he raised to DOE 7 was that who would determine the contents of butane canisters.

Once DOE 7 will submit its comment or recommendations, Tumulak said the council can call for a public hearing.

In his proposed measure, Tumulak wants to require all dealers, manufacturers, distributors, owners of retail outlets and sari-sari stores who are selling butane products to use facilities and equipment that will comply with standards and codes set in the petroleum industry.

They will also be required to use new canisters from licensed canister manufacturers with proper labeling, such as the name of the manufacturer, dealer or distributor, business address, contact number and a warning that the product is flammable and should be kept away from the children’s reach.

They should also post, in a location visible to the public, awareness and information signs, such as the no smoking and other signs that they’re selling flammable products.

All brand owners who sell LPG and butane products in bulk or retail are also required to get product liability insurance to cover whatever damage or liability may result from unsafe conditions of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanks and butane canisters.

The draft measure strictly prohibits the reusing of butane canisters, particularly by refilling these with LPG and transporting these in bulk using motorcycles.

First-time offenders will be made to pay P3,000 as a fine and the motorcycle used to transport will be impounded. Second offenders will be made to pay a fine of P5,000 and the motorcycle will also be impounded.

For the third offense, a fine of P10,000 will be collected and the person’s business permit will be revoked.

The motorcycle used to transport the butane canisters will also be impounded. /

I drafted the ordinance because it is very needed because most in our community are using butane... Refilling butane canisters with liquefied petroleum gas will surely jeopardize the public safety of our consumers. It is a major issue that needs public awareness and should be addressed by the enactment of this ordinance. DAVE TUMULAK

Cebu City Councilor