Stores selling fake products in DTI's watchlist
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said they will conduct random inspections and confiscate products with low quality standards especially those coming from China in preparation for the coming holiday season.
Cadena observed the rampant selling of low quality products such as Christmas lights, electrical products and other commodities in the market during the yuletide.
During the previous years, poor quality Christmas lights adorned in different houses were blamed for several fire incidents in Metro Manila. Most of the Christmas lights do not carry the information on whether it is for indoor and outdoor use.
Cadena, in an interview, said they have already made several apprehensions regarding fake products.
He, however, could not specifically say on how many retailers or producers they have apprehended and charged.
The department has no jurisdiction on the entry of imported goods especially those coming from China. It is the Bureau of Customs which has the responsibility to check on the entry of imported goods and how the goods pass the Iloilo port without being apprehended, said Cadena.
The department is also conducting weekly rounds to check on the products being sold in the market. However, it is still best if the consumers themselves will report before the DTI on the proliferation of fake products. The DTI could not be everywhere, he said.
Cadena added that the department have already seized fake products from and establishment located in downtown Iloilo. The establishment was also fined with P50,000 for selling fake products. He, however, refused to name the store.
He added that they also find it hard to run after those people who are peddling fake products from shampoos, detergents and other household needs. These peddlers normally go house-to-house and sell their products saying they are having a promo or special offers.
The best remedy is not to buy the products even if it is cheaper compared to those sold in the market. If there are no buyers, there will be no sellers of fake products. Yet, most of the consumers still prefer to buy the cheaper products, said Cadena.
Meanwhile, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Francis Chung said those selling fake items are not members of their association. He said they are supporting the DTI in their action against retailers selling fake products.
Chung encouraged the consumers to report to the concerned agency whenever they see or buy fake products from any stores in the city. The consumers should always look for the markings such as the PS and ICC in every item which are considered as mandatory products.