Whatever the result of the forensic investigation of the Serendra explosion, this incident should become an eye-opener for the Philippine government to implement stricter rules on gas installations may it be liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Serendra explosion is the second incident that occurred within an Ayala Land Development property since 2007. The first was an explosion in Glorietta Mall in October 2007.
Whether the Filipinos accept it or not, gas installations will become more common in domestic installations in the future. The cheap Malampaya Gas will make that happen. Likewise, gas powered vehicles will also become common on the streets as well as gas refilling stations.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations are both classified to be hazardous unless the appliances used in the installation are certified. Other countries have regulations in placed for decades now but not in the Philippines. Government regulations should include testing and certification of installers, technicians and inspectors. Without these in place, substandard materials and installations will not be policed which may caused another incident like the Serendra explosion.
Update: Ayala Land shares plunge after Serendra explosion