DTI-Iloilo issues stern warning vs. sale of substandard products
With the recent confiscation of substandard products from nine establishments in Iloilo City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Iloilo has reiterated its warning against other traders who engage in the selling of products that are not compliant with the required standards.
A recent on-the-spot inspection in Iloilo City, the DTI-Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Group (CWTRG) and the DTI-Iloilo, in cooperation with the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation, Inc. (PPSQF) seized a total of 5,024 uncertified, unlabeled or unmarked, and counterfeit automotive batteries, brake fluid, lighters, switches, outlets, steel bars, and, Christmas lights from nine establishments.
The inspection team confiscated thirty-five automotive batteries that are being sold without the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark from Iloilo 3B Auto Parts located at Valeria Extension (34 pieces) and from Iloilo Auto Supply in Valeria and Ledesma Streets (1 piece). Similarly, six (6) bottles of brake fluid without the ICC mark were withdrawn from Iloilo 3B Auto Parts.
Uncertified lighters that totaled to 3,444 were likewise seized from Unitop Gen. Merchandising situated at Ledesma and Iznart Streets (606 pieces), Pick Up Shop Trading in Ledesma Street (123 pieces), H & H Trading also in Ledesma Street (2,425 pieces), and Anthony Novelty Shop in Rizal Street (290 pieces). The team also found 19 pieces of fake or counterfeit 'Cricket' lighters from Anthony Nouvelty Shop. There were also 97 sets of uncertified Christmas lights seized from Unitop Gen. Merchandising (66 sets) and H & H Trading (31 sets).
Moreover, a sum of 1,020 lighting switches and outlets without the ICC mark were seized from Northern Iloilo Lumber in Ledesma Street (360 pieces) and Evergold Builders in Quezon Street (190 pieces). Also, a total of 470 outlets for electrical appliances and devices, which were unmarked with the ICC were confiscated from Evergold Builders.
Furthermore, the team found 400 pieces of steel bars not bearing the required markings from L.R. Hardware located at Mabini Street.
The DTI-Iloilo has already filed the necessary charges against the said establishments for violating Republic Act (R. A.) 7394 or Consumer
Act of the Philippines, the R. A. 4109 or the Standards Law, and particularly the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 02:2002.
The DTI shall impose an administrative fine of P25,000 based on the said DAO to each establishment per product violation. Other penalties for the establishments would depend on the results of the mediation hearing sessions between the DTI and the establishments that started on 28 October 2005.
As this developed, the DTI enjoins the buying public to patronize only PS and ICC-marked products in the market to be sure of its safety. Consumers can report or file a complaint against substandard products through DTI's consumer hotline (751-3330), i-reklamo website (www.i-reklamo.ph), e-mail address (cwd-btrcp@dti.dti.gov.ph) or visit the nearest DTI office.