DOE Warns Public Against

Patronizing "Bote-Bote"
Gasoline/Diesel
15 March 2016

(Taguig City), The Department of Energy (DOE) is reiterating its

warning to the public of the dangers "bote-bote" may cause to lives
and properties. This is with the observed rampant proliferation of
illegal sale of liquid fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel) in “bote-bote.”

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada strongly emphasized that

“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. DC2003-11-010 also known as the Retail Rules. She also stressed
that improper handling of liquid fuels may lead to accidental fire,
illnesses due to inhalation of hazardous fumes, and undesirable effects
to the environment.

The DOE notes that liquid fuels are highly combustible and flammable
products, and therefore require proper storage and handling as
provided under the Fire Code of the Philippines. Thus, as the country
observes the National Fire Prevention Month spearheaded by the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), "bote-bote" must not be patronized,
especially following increase of cases of fire accidents during summer
period.

In order to eliminate the bote-bote scheme, the DOE encourages

persistent participation of the consuming public, mostly motorists, in
this advocacy by buying 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.

Meanwhile, 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, while
subjecting their constituents to fire hazards. Moreover, the fuel
products retailed in “bote-bote” may be sourced from illegal activities,
such as smuggling, pilferage and theft.

Recognizing the interconnection of these operations to other illegal

activities, the DOE strongly calls on all LGUs for their stronger
determination to ensure utmost consumer protection by implementing
existing rules against “bote-bote” in their localities, such as
apprehending illegal peddlers and confiscating violative liquid fuels.

“Recently, we’ve met with the League of Mayors of Cebu to gain their
support by committing to protect the public, particularly their
constituents, from unsafe, hazardous, illegal retailing of liquid fuels in
bote-bote in their area. We are also planning to replicate the same
initiative with other LGUs or even elevate it to the National League of
Mayors,” said Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

Furthermore, the DOE strengthens its partnerships with the industry

players and the LGUs, by reviewing and amending existing Retail
Rules, facilitating drafting of local ordinances, as well as conducting
massive information, education, and communication campaigns, to
prevent “bote-bote” from further proliferation.

To report any information on "unauthorized selling of petroleum

products," please call the nearest fire station in your locality through
BFP, the concerned local authorities, or any of the following DOE
offices:

Oil Industry Management Bureau: (02) 840-2130

Luzon Field Office: (075) 656-0114
Visayas Field Office: (032) 253-3459
Mindanao Field Office: (082) 221-0778