MANILA — Operatives of the Department of Trade and Industry-Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) confiscated some 2,594 uncertified products in provinces of Rizal and Southern Leyte as part of the agency’s intensified market monitoring in areas outside Metro Manila.
In a statement Tuesday, DTI said these confiscated products were found not bearing Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, which means these products did not undergo the government-mandatedinspection.
In Antipolo City alone, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) seized some 1,510 uncertified products such as uncertified wiring devices and home appliances such as ballasts, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, flat irons, light receptacles, plugs, circular lamps, LED television sets, and even monobloc chairs and stools.
In Sogod, Southern Leyte, the DTI confiscated 1,084 pieces of construction materials and household appliances with no proper markings.
The DTI issued Notice of Violation (NOVs) to five retailers in Rizal and 10 establishments in Southern Leyte as they were selling products with no PS or ICC marks.
Under the Philippine National Standard (PNS), products like wiring devices, home appliances, and construction materials are required to bear PS mark or ICC sticker with manufacturer’s name, address, country of origin, and manufactured date.
“These uncertified electrical products are fire hazards that are risks to the property and life of consumers. Thus, the Department urges the public to be vigilant in their purchases and check if the required labels including the PS mark or ICC sticker and manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and address are on the product or its package,” DTI-CPG Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
“It is also important for consumers to know the proper use of these products to prevent accidents,” added Castelo.
Aside from issuing NOVs, the DTI also issued four Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) to retailers in Rizal and Southern Leyte which sold their products higher than the suggested retail prices (SRPs).
Two establishments received Show Cause Orders (SCOs) for allegedly violating Articles 81 to 83 of the Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act.
This, is after a supermarket in Antipolo was found to have two conflicting price tags in its products, while a grocery store did not put price tags on their goods at all.
“Having two prices for an item is considered as a deceptive sales act and a violation of the price tag provision of the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The consumers are unaware that they are buying an item which is PHP0.50 to PHP2.00 higher than what is indicated in the shelf,” Castelo said. (PNA)
