Rep. Franz Joseph Alvarez (1st district, Palawan) has proposed a law that would regulate the establishment, maintenance and construction of fuel depots and storage houses for flammable and hazardous materials to help ensure public safety and protect Filipinos from potential terrorist attacks.
In filing House Bill 2850, Alvarez expressed grave concern over the possibility that the reckless and unregulated construction of fuel depots and similar establishments could lead to loss of lives, destruction of property and even possible terrorist acts.
“Holding hostage the lives of millions of the innocent public living close to these fuel depots and warehouses or storage places of explosive and hazardous chemicals and substances are among the means [used by] terrorists in realizing their ends,” said Alvarez, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP).
“Under no circumstances should we allow a life to placed in jeopardy either by accident or design,” he noted.
Under HB 2850, “no depot, warehouse or storage shall be maintained, established or constructed within a dangerous distance from a populated area or an area classified as residential.”
Conversely, “areas within the same radius from such depot, warehouse or storage shall not be classified as residential nor shall be used as such,” the bill stated.
Alvarez, said his measure covers “all future and existing publicly and privately owned fuel depots and warehouses or storage of flammable or hazardous chemicals and substances.”
Existing fuel depots and similar establishments identified under HB 2850 are given five years from the effectivity of the proposed law to comply with these provisions.
Under the bill, expenses incurred by existing establishments in complying with the provisions of HB 2850 will be considered as deductible costs for purposes of taxation, Alvarez noted.
Certain importations made in compliance with the bill’s provisions are also exempt from paying the necessary duties and taxes. These tax- and duty-free imports cover only articles not manufactured in the country or if available, are not in commercial quantity or are not able to meet the requirements of the user, Alvarez said.
Violations of the law’s provisions are punishable with imprisonment of not less than six years and six months but not exceeding eight years and will also lead to the revocation of the license and charter of the erring corporation or entity.