PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, (PNA) -– Substandard products circulating in the market will be prevented if there’s close coordination among concerned enforcement agencies, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Palawan.
Although the agency is not setting aside the existence of entry points in the country via its vast ocean, DTI Region IV-B Director Joel Valera said Friday that strict monitoring and close coordination of authorities will stop the entry of smuggled products.
The DTI, whose mandate is to oversee basic prices of commodities, expressed disappointment over the rampant circulation of below average consumer products.
As part of the celebration of the Consumer’s Welfare Month, Valera did a ceremonial destruction of uncertified items that were confiscated by DTI-Palawan and appealed to the public to stop patronizing products without ICC and PS marks.
Valera added that in several instances, these substandard products had put lives and properties at risk.
“We did not stop from monitoring the price of the basic commodities as part of our mandate but we also appeal to our retailers to cooperate us in the implementation of the law because what we are doing is for the safety,” Valera said in an interview with the Philippines News Agency (PNA).
In relation with the upcoming holiday season, he warns the retailers on selling substandard products particularly Christmas decorations and gifts. Charges will be filed against violators including confiscation of items.
A minimum of P17,000 will be charged against them plus confiscation of items for the first offense while cancellation of permits and inclusion of the business name to blacklisted companies for the succeeding violations.