BOTE-BOTE. The sale of bote-bote or illegally retailed liquid fuel is still rampant in Davao City. (File photo by Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY — The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday, March 15 asked local government units (LGU) to run after vendors selling petroleum products in bottles not endorsed by oil companies.
The DOE in a statement issued the warning as they observed the rampant proliferation of illegal selling of “bote-bote” liquid fuels which may cause accidents that may lead to fire.
Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said “peddling of liquid fuels in any container, such as soda bottles, plastic bottles, jugs and other similar portable containers are strictly prohibited,” which is stipulated under the existing Department Circular No. DC 2003-11-010 also known as the Retail Rules.
Monsada called on LGUs to apprehend illegal peddlers and confiscate the liquid fuels.
Improper handling of liquid fuels may lead to accidental fire, illnesses due to inhalation of hazardous fumes, and undesirable effects to the environment, she explained. Fuel products require proper storage and handling as provided under the Fire Code of the Philippines.
In the city, the sale of retail gasoline and diesel are found even in subdivisions and along the highways, particularly in Davao-Bukidnon road. They are usually sold in used soft drink bottles.
The DOE has called on the public to buy from authorized and formal gas stations only, instead of patronizing illegal liquid fuel peddlers, as this does not assure the public of “proper fuel quality and right quantity.”
“The motorists should realize that they may actually be short changed, and end up spending more for repairs, or worse, accidents,” the energy department said.
Aside from accidents, “the local government units (LGUs) are being deprived of revenue from business permits, taxes, pump calibration charges, etc. which are being collected from legitimate gas stations”. (davaotoday.com)
