DTI warns against sale of substandard construction products 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is boosting its efforts to pursue and apprehend retailers selling substandard construction materials such as steel, cement, wood, and glass in the local market, according to a report by Manila Bulletin. 

DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) told reporters on April 19 that they are enhancing the operations of its task force, “Kalasag,” which now enforces both the Vape Law and the substandard materials. 

Nograles remarked that the heightened efforts are needed to curb the sale of these products since constructing and retrofitting homes is currently popular among consumers. Among the substandard materials range from small wires to steel rebars.  

“The Philippine National Standards (PNS) applicable for steel and cement remain the same. But the rampant problem now is, when consumers buy materials at the hardware store, retailers resort to giving them either “substandard or expensive” choices. We need to correct that default mindset because it's an issue of the safety of our consumers,” she explained. 

She said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual held an alignment meeting with the construction industry group to identify the situation on the ground. 

Many cases have been recorded nationwide, said the agency, highlighting Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region 4-A. 

DTI will deploy more roving teams since the agency was given additional funding for the task force, she shared, which will operate complementary to the existing regional enforcement team.

Retailers who will be caught selling substandard materials will be found in violation of deceptive sale, which comes with a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 under the Consumer Act, Nograles explained. 

The products will also be confiscated. The retailers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the gravity of the offense. 

Retailers, and the products’ manufacturers may face prison time if a case is filed with the prosecutor's office. 

Consumer awareness is also key to curbing this sale. Nograles shared that consumers can identify that a material has high quality if there is a Philippine Standards (PS) quality mark engraved or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker on the product. 

The DTI is also exploring a means of informing the public on the brands and products considered as “repeat offenders,” she said. 

“Our consumers also should not patronize. Don't buy these substandard [items] because those are homes, and the money spent on them would be  wasted,” she added. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is boosting its efforts to pursue and apprehend retailers selling substandard construction materials such as steel, cement, wood, and glass in the local market. 

DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) told reporters on April 19 that they are enhancing the operations of its task force, “Kalasag,” which now enforces both the Vape Law and the substandard materials. 

Nograles remarked that the heightened efforts are needed to curb the sale of these products since constructing and retrofitting homes is currently popular among consumers. Among the substandard materials range from small wires to steel rebars.  

“The Philippine National Standards (PNS) applicable for steel and cement remain the same. But the rampant problem now is, when consumers buy materials at the hardware store, retailers resort to giving them either “substandard or expensive” choices. We need to correct that default mindset because it's an issue of the safety of our consumers,” she explained. 

She said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual held an alignment meeting with the construction industry group to identify the situation on the ground. 

Many cases have been recorded nationwide, said the agency, highlighting Metro Manila, Region 3 and Region 4-A. 

DTI will deploy more roving teams since the agency was given additional funding for the task force, she shared, which will operate complementary to the existing regional enforcement team.

Retailers who will be caught selling substandard materials will be found in violation of deceptive sale, which comes with a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 under the Consumer Act, Nograles explained. 

The products will also be confiscated. The retailers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the gravity of the offense. 

Retailers, and the products’ manufacturers may face prison time if a case is filed with the prosecutor's office. 

Consumer awareness is also key to curbing this sale. Nograles shared that consumers can identify that a material has high quality if there is a Philippine Standards (PS) quality mark engraved or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker on the product. 

The DTI is also exploring a means of informing the public on the brands and products considered as “repeat offenders,” she said. 

“Our consumers also should not patronize. Don't buy these substandard [items] because those are homes, and the money spent on them would be  wasted,” she added.