PEPC: Don’t buy from unauthorized LPG distributors

THE Philippine Ecogas Producers Cooperative (PEPC) has renewed its appeal to the public to patronize only authorized distributors and retailers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) not only to curb the unauthorized use of their brand but also to ensure the safety of the consuming public.

PEPC officials, on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, said they were alarmed over the reported proliferation of butane canisters which are illegally and unsafely refilled with LPG (backyard refilling). Such practice is among the reported causes of fire incidents in Cebu.

Lawyer Carrie Unchuan, PEPC legal counsel, said patronizing compromised containers will pose a hazard to the end-users.

“Mao ni ang rason nga among giawhag ang publiko nga mupalit lang sila sa authorized distributors and retailers kay number one, mas ma assured sila sa safety, sakto og timbang, kanang mga mini-cylinders sa PEPC naa gyud nay regular nga check-up and maintenance to ensure nga it stays safe unya wala’y ma circulate nga dili na dapat ipa-circulate (That is one reason why we really encourage the public to buy only from authorized distributors. They will be assured of the safety of the product and its correct weight. Its mini-cylinders undergo regular check-up and maintenance to ensure that only those in good condition are being circulated),” she said.

Lawyer Vincent Roel Tabuñag, PEPC legal officer and spokesman for safety purposes, said the PEPC canisters, along with those owned by the private corporation Tripler, are a duly registered brand or trademark with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

The illegal use of such constitutes trademark infringement and unfair competition, he said.

He recalled a recent incident when the Department of Energy (DOE) with the police authorities and members of the National Bureau of Investigation raided warehouses in Talisay City.

Tabuñag said the raid, which took place last Dec. 1, covered Barangays Cansojong, Tabunok and Jaclupan and resulted in the arrest of nine individuals and the confiscation of more than 300,000 pieces of PEPC and Tripler aluminum canisters, which were illegally refilled.

He said that prior to the operation of the authorities, they had been receiving information on the illegal activity. A test buy was also conducted, which further verified the reports they received.

Among those arrested during the raid in Talisay City were Barry Ranolo, Jeneylyn Amprado, Marian Joy Monitor, Edelbert Banquil, Christian Gutang, Jonreyl Ronato and Jane Reales.

Tabuñag said the nine individuals were charged with violations under Section 155 (Trademark Infringement) and Section 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines as amended by Republic Act 10372 and Batas Pambansa Bilang 33 (Illegal Refilling) as amended by Presidential Decree (PD) 1865.

Section 3 of PD 1865 states that no person can engage in selling petroleum products without the Standard Compliance Certificate issued by the DOE.

Tabuñag also warned butane dealers and retailers who are counterfeiting their seal stickers. He said these operations are only the beginning and they will continue to go after illegal refillers and dealers.

Lawyer Jingo Quijano, PEPC legal counsel, also said the PEPC campaign is to also help their legal dealers who have been religiously complying with the required documents.

Unchuan encouraged illegal traders to convert to the legal sale of these products.

PEPC also urged house, apartment and condominium owners to regularly inspect the units of their tenants to ensure that they do not use butane canisters refilled with LPG as such practice will pose a danger to their properties. (WBS)

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