Dominic I. Sanchez
DIPOLOG CITY– In an effort to raise awareness
on the oil industry, its benefits to the local economy as well as its legal
implications, the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is conducting a multi-sectoral advocacy
campaign on the downstream oil industry for local government units (LGUs) of
Zamboanga del Norte and local oil industry players at the Ariana Hotel here
today, Sept. 16.
The discussions center on the laws, rules and regulations
governing sale of liquefied petroleum products (LPPs) and the liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) with municipal mayors, treasurers, licensing officers,
business licensing issuing officers, and information officers as participants.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
are also attending the activity.
Assistant Director Rodela Romero of DOE’s Oil Industry
Management Bureau (OIMB) told the participants that the basis for conducting
the said campaign is Republic Act 8479, An Act Deregulating the Downstream Oil
Industry. “This is to ensure a truly competitive market under a regime of fair
prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally clean and high
quality petroleum products,” Romero said.
DOE’s role is mainly monitoring quality, quantity, refining and
marketing process, inventory and pricing of the fuels, however, “the local
governments have a major role to play in ensuring local oil retailers meet the
standards.”
Romero also discussed on certain oil and LPG retail
prohibitions. She encouraged LGUs to properly monitor and sanction violations.
Additional topics for the day include the Regulatory Framework
on the Business of Retailing Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquid Petroleum
Products, LPG Regulatory Framework and LPG in Canisters, LPP Retail Rules,
Metrology, and Calibration and Sealing of Mechanical Pumps.
At the end of the day, the participants will be brought to a local
gasoline station to observe the proper calibration of dispensing pumps. Romero
emphasized that it is important for LGUs to know how to properly inspect
stations operating within their jurisdiction to ensure that the consumers do
not get short-changed.
“Pag kulang ang pag-dispense nila, kakasuhan namin sila (gas
stations that fail to dispense properly and accurately will be sued),” Romero
pointed out.
The Philippine Oil Industry generates millions worth of revenue
not only for the retailers, but also to local government returns every year.