• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of the Interior and Local Government reiterated its warning to Bureau of Fire Protection personnel against the peddling of fire extinguishers to business owners securing fire safety clearances.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla Remulla said Feb. 7 that fire personnel should not engaged in such illegal practices, including endorsing contractors for fire sprinklers.
“Bawal magbenta ng fire extinguisher…kung may ganon, ireport n’yo kaagad sa akin at tatanggalin ko ‘yan on the spot,” he said in a statement.
BFP Memorandum Circular 2016-016 strictly prohibits personnel from engaging in the selling of fire extinguishers or endorsing manufacturers, dealers, or suppliers of fire-fighting equipment.
Remulla urged business owners to file a complaint against BFP personnel, who dabble in such illegal activity and delay the issuance of fire clearances. “Mayors, please encourage business owners to file an ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Act) complaint. Kung ma-delay pa more than one week, mag-file ng ARTA complaint, and I will personally see to it na ma-discipline sila.”
Under Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business law, the BFP shall issue the Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance and Fire Safety Inspection Certificate to businesses that complied with all the requirements within seven working days.
RA 11032 requires all government agencies to ensure simplified requirements and procedures that will reduce red tape and expedite business and nonbusiness-related transactions in government. | CGC
