Gov't urged to fast-track implementation of law on proper toy labeling

Advocacy group for consumers' protection Laban Konsyumer on Wednesday urged the government to fast-track the implementation of Republic Act 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.

Though enacted five years ago, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law remain pending in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Health (DOH), according to Laban Konsyumer president Atty Vic Dimagiba in an interview on Balitanghali.

Dimagiba said toy labeling is important in safeguarding the consumers, especially the children.

"May laruan na nakakasakal, may laruan na kapag nalunok mo, macho-choke ka, meron din nakakasugat, and then meron ding mahawakan mo lang 'yung ma-contaminate ka dahil matapos yung chemical ng mga produkto," he said.

He added that together with the EcoWaste Coalition, the group has filed a mandamus petition to pressure the government to strictly implement the law as soon as possible.

Dimagiba said that though some toys being sold in local bear labels, it was in compliance with the laws of the exporting countries and not that of the Philippines.

He also noted that though most of these toys were made in China, some were products of the United States and European multinational companies.

"'Yung sa laruan dapat naka-indicate may license to operate ang kumpanya tapos pagpasok ng laruan dito lahat ng klase kukunan ng sample, ite-test ng FDA (Food and Drug Administration), 'yan titingnan kung tama ang requirement level ng mga chemical bago ibenta," he said.

The consumers' protection advocate said that in the meantime, while waiting for the IRR, their group will coordinate with local government units and secure a permit to conduct random checking of compliance in big toy stores.

Those being sold cheaply in the sidewalks will also be monitored.

"Ang paniwala namin sa batas, maski na wala pang IRR, may mga provisions na puwede nang i-comply... tawag sa batas dun self-executing. Kung hindi sila mag-comply, maski na may license to operate yung mga toy company na 'yun, itet-est case din namin, magpa-file kami ng kaso for the toy and games safety labeling law," Dimagiba noted.

He also warned the parents to be cautious in buying cheap products that may be hazardous to their children's health.

"Eh mura nga 'pag naaksidente naman ang anak mo, sa ospital lang mas malaki pa ang gagastahin mo, so umiwas na tayo. Nakakatakot 'yung mga laruan eh." —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News