A Provincial Board member is set to file an ordinance aimed at eradicating the rampant sale of petroleum products contained in bottles or the so called “bote-bote” fuels.

Board Member Niño Rey Boniel, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on trade and industry, told DYRD Balita that complaints on the illegal sale of “bote-bote” fuels have piled up.

Boniel said that the ordinance is intended to intensify the drive against the said petroleum products which are being sold along roads in towns across Bohol.

He explained that these fuels pose a serious fire hazard and may endanger houses and establishments in the vicinity.

The most recent instance of a fire caused by “bote-bote” fuels was in Trinidad town.

According to the legislator from the second district, the illegal sale of said fuels would also mean that these are not taxed.

Meanwhile, gasoline dealers have also raised complaints against “bote-bote” fuels which are smuggled in from Cebu, as pointed out by various sources.

Despite the growing number of registered fuel dealers in Bohol, the sale of “bote-bote” gasoline remains rampant, particularly in far-flung areas. (Rey Tutas)