DTI Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Group (CWTRG) Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya said the DTI has intensified its monitoring activities to rid the markets from substandard critical products and safeguard the public from purchasing and using these defective goods.

Already, the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards in cooperation with the Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines (FGAPI) has scheduled a destruction activity for sub-standard and uncertified flat glass confiscated in an enforcement operation last month.

The confiscated items from Tondo, Manila consist of 90 pieces of clear flat glass from China.

The glass store caught with the substandard glass items is now facing administrative charges for violation of Republic Act 4109 or the Standardization Law, and Section 6 of Department Administrative Order 2 Series of 2002, for the illegal distribution and selling of the said products.

In addition, the DTI Region V (Bicol) in partnership with the local steel industry has seized 4,106 pieces or P300,000 worth of substandard various construction materials from 12 out of 30 establishments monitored in the region.

The DTI-Region V, through its provincial offices in Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, have filed administrative charges against these 12 establishments in violation of the Republic Act (R. A.) 7394 or Consumer Act of the Philippines, the R. A. 4109 or the Standards Law, and particularly Section 6 of the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 02:2002.

"We have heightened monitoring and enforcement activities on establishments distributing/selling the said products and have partnered with industry associations to curtail illegal and unfair trade practices of devious businesses," Maglaya said.