Former LPGMA Partylist Congressman Arnel Ty has voiced his support for the strict enforcement of Republic Act 11592, also known as the LPG Industry Regulation Act.
This landmark legislation, which was signed into law in 2021 requires all LPG industry participants and a License to Operate to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Prior to this law, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a Circular in 2014 outlining the rules and regulations governing the LPG industry, which included the requirement for industry players to to obtain a Standards Compliance Certificate (SCC) before conducting business.
This measure was implemented to safeguard the interests of LPG customers by discouraging illegal LPG sales and promoting supply stability.
“It is disheartening to witness certain groups repeatedly requesting extensions, as they are the ones failing to meet the requirements outlined in RA 11592,” Ty said. “The SCC before and the current LTO are essential safeguards that protect consumers and ensure the proper functioning of the LPG industry.”
Under the new law, every LPG industry participant must obtain aN LTO specific to their site, plant, or outlet before commencing commercial
operations. This license must be prominently displayed in their business establishment or premises. If an industry participant intends
to engage in a new activity beyond their current license, they must obtain another license for that specific activity.
All LPG industry participants are required to conduct business only with counterparts possessing a valid license for the specific activity
they are engaged in. The DOE has been granted exclusive authority to issue the license to operate, which remains valid for a period of
three (3) years or as determined by the DOE.
Ty further emphasized the importance of compliance adding that “Groups that fail to meet simple requirements such as BIR Registrations,
Business Permits, and Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSIC) not only jeopardize their own operations but also undermine the integrity
of the industry as a whole.”
He also expressed his hope that the DOE will rigorously enforce the new law, taking appropriate action against those continuously
violating its provisions.