NBI sues illegal refillers of LPG cyclinders before DOJ

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against four people who supposedly refill liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks even though they are not the brand owner or authorized reseller of the branded LPG cylinders.

Such products that have been tampered with by unauthorized resellers are often blamed for fires and explosions in several households and establishments.

The respondents were charged with unauthorized refilling of branded LPG cylinders, a form of unfair competition punishable under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 8293.

Under the Department of Energy Circular No. 20017-10-007, LPG cylinders can only be refilled by their brand owners or authorized refillers.

Those charged were Liezl Doroteo of FLD Marketing, Henfherd Catsuela of Jheybee LPG Store/Pure Gaz LPG Store, Ronaldo Lugtu of R&B Gas and General Merchandise, and Jun Goloya of Goloya Marketing/West Gas.

The complaints were filed after a series of raids by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Last June, NBI-National Capital Region agents seized more than 100 LPG tanks owned by various LPG companies in a refilling station in Calamba, Laguna.

Aside from illegally refilling LPG tanks from other companies, the establishment supposedly erases the original markings of the LPG tanks and repaints the cylinder with their own logo.

19 stores raided

The NBI has so far raided 19 stores over the last 10 months as part of a crackdown on illegal LPG refillers. The NBI warned that illegal refillers put the lives and properties of millions of households in danger, as the LPG tanks they sell are suspected to be defective due to the unsafe practices of preparing the cylinders.

These practices include illegal tampering of branded cylinders and use of dilapidated, second-hand cylinders for storing and refilling. Such tampering leave parts of the LPG cylinders thin and prone to leaks and explosions.

An estimated five million Filipino households use LPG. But an alarming 3.5 million or 70 percent are suspected to be using defective cylinders.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), around 100 fires a year are caused by defective LPG tanks.

A bill is now pending before the Senate which aims to stop illegal LPG activities and ensure consumer welfare.

Senate Bill No. 2897 of 2015 also known as the LPG Industry Regulation and Safety Act is authored by Senators Bam Aquino, Loren Legarda, and Jinggoy Estrada. – VS, GMA News