DTI destroys P4.6 million worth of substandard, uncertified products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday destroyed over P4.6 million worth of non-compliant and uncertified products, as part of its nationwide crackdown on unsafe and substandard goods.

The destruction activity took place at the DTI National Capital Regional Office (NCRO) Compound in Marikina City and was led by the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) in coordination with DTI’s regional and provincial offices, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

According to DTI Fair Trade Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Regino Mallari Jr., the seized products were confiscated during regular inspections across the country.

“Parte po ito ng direktiba ng ating presidente para sa consumer protection and celebration ng ating consumer welfare. Yung mga sinira natin ngayon na ceramics, sanitary ceramic plumbing, toilets... wala po silang [required certification],” Mallari said.

(This is part of the President’s directive for consumer protection and in celebration of consumer welfare. The products we destroyed today—ceramics, sanitary plumbing, toilets—lacked proper certification.)

Among the confiscated items were toilets, ceramic wares, and steel bars, which the DTI found to be below safety standards.

Mallari noted that the destroyed items represent only a small portion of all confiscated goods, as most remain stored in warehouses pending disposal.

“Small percentage yung nakikita natin ngayon kasi nasa bodega yung karamihan,” he said.

(What we’re seeing today is only a small percentage, as most are still in warehouses.)

Mallari warned that substandard products pose serious safety risks to consumers and could endanger infrastructure integrity.

“Delikado po ito sa mga consumer—una, naloko po sila, at pangalawa, delikado po sa kalusugan at imprastraktura,” he stressed.

(These products are dangerous to consumers—they are deceived, and these items pose risks to both health and infrastructure.)

The DTI said it will continue its enforcement operations to ensure that only certified, quality-assured products reach the market, as part of efforts to uphold consumer safety and welfare. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News