Bacolod:The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking the support of Bacolod's city government to ensure that liquid fuel retail outlets (LFROs), or gasoline stations, obtain the necessary certificate of compliance (COC) to legally sell petroleum products.
According to Philippines News Agency, a recent inspection by the DOE of 27 randomly selected gasoline stations in Bacolod revealed that not all possess a COC. This certificate is crucial as it serves as the official document for registration and authorization to sell petroleum products.
The DOE emphasized that having a local business permit does not guarantee a gasoline station's registration and compliance with DOE standards. Jose Rey Maleza, chief of the DOE-Visayas Field Office Oil Industry Management Division, highlighted the importance of securing a COC before any business permit is issued or renewed. He met with Secretary to Mayor Jose Marty Go to discuss the DOE's inspection findings and the need for coordinated efforts with the city government and partner agencies.
The DOE acknowledged Bacolod's consistent monitoring of LFROs and noted the city's proactive approach in ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The City Treasurer's Office (CTO) leads these monitoring activities, inspecting three to four gasoline stations daily during weekdays. Bacolod City currently has 142 gasoline stations, according to CTO Revenue Inspection and Miscellaneous Services Section data.