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THE
Presidential Task Force on the Security of Energy
Facilities and Enforcement of Energy Laws and Standards
filed charges against Unioil Petroleum Philippines and
Oilink International Corp. at the Department of Justice
after seven oil tanks were seized in Pilar, Bataan, on
the evening of June 1.
The
Department of Energy (DOE) said the drivers of the
petroleum companies’ vehicles were not able to present
proper documents, such as valid delivery receipts,
certificates of conveyance and calibration certificates
for the transport of petroleum products.
Of the
seven trucks, six oil tankers were found to contain
roughly 116,000 liters of unleaded gasoline, while one
oil tanker contained 20,000 liters of kerosene. The DOE
said the combined value of the contraband was estimated
at P5.5 million.
The DOE
said Oilink Corp. allegedly was a subject of a hold
order issued by the Customs commissioner. According to
the order, Oilink’s depots, storage tanks and valves
were ordered sealed pursuant to Section 1508 of the
Tariff and Customs Code; that the hold order was in
relation to Oilink’s tax deficiencies and penalties of a
fuel import amounting to P353.5 million.
A
source, who requested anonymity, explained that Unioil
could not comment much on the issue since it may be
cited for contempt as the court has yet to issue a final
resolution on the issue.
However,
Chito Medina-Cue, Unioil general manager, said his
company has paid all taxes and has not been engaged in
any illegal activity.
“We lost
about 25,000 liters and P1.5 million during impounding,”
Medina-Cue said.
The task
force is mandated by Executive Order 655 to act with
resolve and urgency to ensure the security and
protection of energy and power-related facilities and
associated infrastructure, and the enforcement of energy
and related laws and standards. |
