The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued notice of violation against 24 establishments in Western Visayas for selling products that are non conforming to quality and safety standards set by the government.
This after, DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Assistant Secretary Ronnel Abrenica led the teams deployed to conduct the Joint Monitoring and Enforcement Activities in the region from March 21 to 25, 2022. The two teams were able to monitor 67 establishments in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
Specifically, the 24 erring establishments were found selling products that are non-compliant with the technical regulations set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) for mandatory products.
They were selling low carbon steel wire, rerolled steel bars, self-ballasted led lamps, PVC Electrical tape, monobloc chairs, and stools, pipes (uPVC) for potable water supply, uPVC rigid electrical conduit, washing machine, induction cookers, electric blender and kettle, electric fan, snap and knife switches and socket outlets.
The teams also sealed 4,904 pcs of alleged non-conforming products estimated to be worth more than Php1.5 million.
Abrenica, who is also the agency’s concurrent Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) director, said the joint monitoring and enforcement activities done in coordination with the regional operations group intend to raise the level
of awareness of the consumers on the laws protecting them against non-conforming or defective products.
This year, the covered areas of the monitoring activity are those that were badly hit by typhoon Odette, , he said.
“For those non-conforming establishments we will issue notice of violation and from there we will give them time to answer and reply, and if there is a probable cause we will issue formal charges,” said Abrenica.
He called on business establishments to ensure that products sold conformed with the technical regulations and requirements based on the Philippine National Standards and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) for imported products.
Likewise, Abrenica advised consumers to make sure that the products bought are certified and passed the testing requirements of the Bureau of Philippine Standards. He encouraged them to look for the logos and PS mark or ICC stickers.
DTI 6 Director Rebecca Rascon and DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Judith Degala joined Abrenica during the monitoring and enforcement operations in the city and province of Iloilo on March 25. (PIA6-Iloilo)
