Laguna, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional 4A, seized nearly PHP 15 million worth of uncertified household appliances from a warehouse in Biñan, Laguna, September 17.

“This Task Force Kalasag operation underscores our ongoing efforts to combat the dangerous and unfair practices that put consumers at risk. The DTI will work relentlessly with other government agencies until every illicit household product is eradicated from our markets,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

Acting on a recommendation from DTI CALABARZON, the joint operation uncovered a substantial cache of uncertified household appliances, including 93,800 electric fans valued at PHP 12,435,092 and 104,283 self-ballasted LED lamps worth PHP 2,364,078.

These seized products were in violation of Department Administrative Order No. 02:2007 for lacking the required Philippine Standard markings and Import Commodity Clearance stickers, manufacturer, and other product-related information. Product samples from the operation have been forwarded to the DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards testing laboratory for further assessment.

The establishment involved in the sale of uncertified products was issued a Preliminary Preventive Order. This restricts the unauthorized removal, tampering, or transfer of the sealed products without a written directive from a duly officer from the Fair Trade Group-Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTG-FTEB).

FTG Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero emphasized that consumer protection and fair competition are non-negotiable. “We will not tolerate any businesses that disregard fair trade rules. The DTI will continue to enforce these standards to maintain trust in the market,” he added.

Further, FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali recognized the NBI for their continued collaboration, which was formalized through a memorandum of agreement in June 2024. This cooperation unites the DTI’s regulatory expertise with the NBI’s investigative strength, forging a formidable alliance in the fight against illegal and substandard goods.

“With the NBI and other law enforcement agencies on our side, we are making significnt strides toward eliminating uncertified and dangerous products from the market. These joint alliances are essential for a coordinated and effective approach to our campaign against substandard products,” said Director Sawali.

This latest success builds on a series of high-profile seizures of the DTI-NBI joint, task force. These include a record-breaking seizure of nearly PHP 94 million worth of substandard products from a Quezon City warehouse, which was subsequently ordered closed by the local government.

In less than six months, the Task Force Kalasag (TFK) led by DTI-FTEB has clamped down on almost 700,000 units of substandard products valued at PHP 284 million through operations across Metro Manila and various regions nationwide.

The DTI urges the public to report any businesses selling uncertified products. Reports can be sent via email to ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 15 October 2024

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