Since the start of 2019, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has already confiscated over Seventeen million (PhP 17,000,000.00) worth of uncertified products in the National Capital Region and its adjoining provinces in Luzon as a result of its continued intensified monitoring and enforcement efforts for the promotion of product quality and consumer safety.

Led by its enforcement arm, the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), a total of 84,477 pieces of construction materials, household items, and electrical products such equal-leg angle bar, deformed steel bar, rerolled steel bar, GI wires, electric fan, circuit breakers, socket-outlet, snap switches, CFL, fuse holders, inner-tube for motorcycle tires, electrical tape, uPVC rigid electrical conduit, sanitary wares, Edison screw lamp holder, and Monobloc stool/chair pipes were confiscated for alleged violation against the technical regulations being implemented by the DTI.

“We are reiterating our commitment to protect consumers from uncertified products. This serves as a warning to all establishments selling substandard and uncertified products. Apart from the fine and confiscation of products, they are also losing their investments. Their credibility as well as safety of consumers and the public are what’s at stake here,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

For the first eight months of the year, the FTEB has monitored 9,764 firms. Of this number, 550 Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued to those found selling alleged substandard and uncertified products that bear no Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark.

The FTEB explains that through the NOVs, the establishments were given 48 hours to submit their written explanation to the DTI as part of the administrative due process before the filing of formal charges.

Several cases have already undergone the adjudication process and were administratively charged for failure to comply with the mandatory product certification and other technical regulations. The following 34 business establishments were imposed with penalties totaling to PhP 1.8 million:

NAME OF BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT

  1. S.O.T. TRADING OWNED AND OPERATED BY SAMMY O. TAN
  2. BM LYNNE CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY MARLENE MARIMLA
  3. GENUINE STAR CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY OWNED BY SHOINY C. SHI
  4. CMC LUMBER AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY INC.
  5. HIPOLITOS HARDWARE & GENERAL MERCHANDISE OWNED AND OPERATED BY IRENE H. HERBA
  6. RSN TRADING AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OWNED/OPERATED BY: REYNAN JAY LIMBO
  7. GOLDEN LIBJO TRADING & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY OWNED/OPERATED BY: SHENA Q. MARASIGAN
  8. RMJC COCOLUMBER & GENERAL MERCHANDISE OWNED/OPERATED BY: RONALD CERENO
  9. KING VINCENT TRADING OWNED/OPERATED BY: JOSE RODRIGO P. ESPINA
  10. SKY KING HARDWARE AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
  11. A.C. AMORADO BUILDERS & SUPPLY
  12. JG STEEL AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
  13. SHINY WOOD HARDWARE OWNED BY JERICO L. KUA
  14. HAPPY FUTURE STEEL AND WOOD CENTER OWNED BY JOSEPH C. CHEN
  15. OROMAX HARDWARE OWNED BY JAYSON D. WONG
  16. WCDJ GENERAL MERCHANDISE
  17. GERCO BUILDERS AND FARM SUPPLY, INC.
  18. GLOW ENTERPRISES
  19. MAXIWIN TRADING AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY, INC.
  20. KEN 31 HARDWARE CORPORATION
  21. CESCO HARDWARE & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
  22. NEW CUÑA HARDWARE
  23. J & E STEEL CENTER, OWNED BY JUN JUN APOLINARIO BANTIQUE
  24. CAPITLY’S TRADING, OWNED BY HARVEY D. CAPITLY
  25. PINGYIN GENERAL MERCHANDISE
  26. ABC HARDWARE & MULTI STEEL INC.
  27. J. CASIM CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES, INC.
  28. SDB HARDWARE AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
  29. AJS STEEL GENERAL MERCHANDISING
  30. EASTERN SUN MERCHANDISING and ELISON’S STEEL BARS MARKETING
  31. EUROTOOL HARDWARE & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
  32. STAMFORD TRADING
  33. KRJ TRADING
  34. REAL STEEL AND CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY OWNED BY SHENA Q. MARASIGAN

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo reiterated that, “The DTI will stop at nothing in tracking down unscrupulous businesses. The protection of consumers is our utmost priority and we remain steadfast in our commitment. As the Department continues to intensify its monitoring and enforcement efforts, we advise the public to remain vigilant when purchasing products, especially construction materials. Always look for the PS or ICC mark to be assured of quality and safety.”

In July 2019, the FTEB started implementing the Oplan Kidlat Project for furtherance of the monitoring and enforcement efforts of the DTI on all products and services that are under its jurisdiction, with a special focus on those covered by technical regulations.

For the complete list of products that should bear the PS and ICC marks, please visit the BPS portal at www.bps.gov.ph. To report establishments selling uncertified and non-conforming products, please call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.♦

Date of Release: 27 September 2019

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