DTI destroys P300K in uncertified products seized from local stores

More than P300,000 worth of uncertified products were destroyed and disposed of by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last week following their confiscation from several local stores.
DTI Catanduanes Provincial Director Ma. Belma Q. Escueta was joined by Virac Vice Mayor Arlynn H. Arcilla, Kapisanan ng Mamimiling Katandunganon (KASAMA KA) president Roger Magtangob, MENRO-designate Andy Po II, and representatives from the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the local media in witnessing the destruction of the seized products last Oct. 22, 2021 at the Virac town plaza.
A payloader from the municipal government rolled over the PVC electrical and water pipes, while its heavy steel bucket crushed the light bulbs, monobloc chairs, snap switches and small electric fans.
According to the DTI, the other goods including LED bulbs, cigarette lighters and rolls of tie wire will be destroyed separately, with the latter to be cut into pieces using an acetylene torch.
In separate product surveillance and enforcement operations, the DTI team discovered that the products did not have the required safety markings in the form of Philippine Standard (PS) marking and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.
The selling of these uncertified products is a clear violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Standards Law.
Among those confiscated were 897 PVC electrical and water pipes, 758 LED and CFL bulbs. 96 rolls of tie wires, 58 rolls of electrical tapes, 54 small electric fans, 48 monobloc chairs and stools, and 14 cigarette lighters.
Administrative cases have been filed against the erring establishments, who would likely pay fines for the violation.
In their respective messages, both Vice Mayor Arcilla and Director Escueta called on the public to patronize only products with PS and ICC marks as their quality and product standards are assured.
They said that this way, consumers get the value of their money and ensure that the products that they and their children are using in their homes are safe.
The destruction of the uncertified products is one of the activities being undertaken by DTI in celebration of Consumer Welfare Month this October 2021.