DTI seizes oxygen tanks, electronics sold illegally in Manila

Oxygen tanks being sold in Manila without permits or proper labels were confiscated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during a surprise inspection on Thursday.

According to a Balitanghali report by GMA News' Mav Gonzales, the DTI seized at least 400 medical-grade oxygen tanks from two medical supply stores along Rizal Avenue.

Aside from the lack of a permit, the tanks bore no labels indicating the chemicals they contain or where they were refilled.

"Walang kahit anong making so hindi mo alam kung anong standard nito, anong quality nito. Maaring hindi rin gumaling, maaring makalala pa," Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo told GMA News.

Store owners refused to face the camera when sought for a comment.

Meanwhile, in a department store in Tayuman, the DTI seized several imported appliances they classified as illegal or substandard as they bore fake Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

Castelo warned of the hazards posed by items sold without DTI's seal of approval.
"Ito, usually used in small communities na high density. Dikit-dikit 'yung bahay. So isang bahay 'yung masunog diyan, damay lahat," she said.

When buying imported electronics, consumers were advised to check the product's ICC sticker as authentic stickers should be hologram-detailed.

Local products, on the other hand, should be marked with a Philippine Standard label which indicates that the product has passed quality control tests.

The DTI also cautioned the public against purchasing products marked with their seal as no manufacturer is authorized to afix the government agency's official seal on their packaging.

As store employees refused to comment on the confiscated items, the DTI said retailers will be held accountable for the violations and will be met with corresponding charges, penalties and fines.   —Margaret Claire Layug/KBK, GMA News