The supplier of the liquefied petroleum gas to Two Serendra has claimed that the LPG it provided the condo complex had an additive meant to give the gas a distinct odor.
“We do inject a chemical additive called ethyl mercaptan in what we supply,” Roberto Kanapi, vice president for communication of Pilipinas Shell, told GMA News Online.
He added that, “We even inject more than what is required by ASTM (American Society for Testing Material).”
Investigators have been trying to determine why the tenant of the condo unit which got blown away in a powerful blast at Two Serendra on May 31 did not notice any smell that would have served as a sign that LPG was leaking in the supply pipes.
Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC), the main developer of 240-hectare Bonifacio Global City, chose Pilipinas Shell as its joint venture partner with Bonifacio Gas Corporation in the supply and building of piped gas installations in the development.
Bonifacio Gas, incorporated on November 12, 1998, was formed to build and operate an underground pipeline network that will provide a centralized gas distribution system within the Bonifacio Global City.
FBDC is backed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Evergreen Holdings Inc. of the Campos Group.
ALI president and CEO Antonino T. Aquino in a statement said they have completed their own double checks in all malls and restaurants throughout the country.
“We will fully cooperate and help in whatever way we can to ensure compliance with the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) directive,” he added. — ELR, GMA News
