DTI seizes P3.5M worth of substandard steel in Luzon
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has so far confiscated more than P3.5 million worth of substandard steel across Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).
Since the start of the year, more than 23,000 pieces of deformed rebars have been seized during inspections conducted by the DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).
Over 200 firms in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal were flagged for selling products that did not comply with set standards.
According to the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (Pisi), which received reports of the seizures from the trade department, the substandard steel products failed to meet the mechanical and dimensional requirements set by the DTI.
The tests conducted by the FTEB included those for tensile strength and elongation.
It also checked for manufacturer markings required under DTI’s Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.
Charges
In a letter to Pisi president Ronald Magsajo, FTEB acting director Marimel Porciuncula said charges would be filed against Flores Commercial and Wan Chiong Steel for selling noncompliant steel bars.
Magsajo welcomed the FTEB’s crackdown on substandard steel and construction materials.
“We continue to support the government’s drive to ensure public safety by removing substandard steel from the market and penalize retailers and manufacturers found to be non-compliant with Fair Trade Laws,” he said.
Pisi also noted the danger of using substandard steel.
“Substandard steel can deform or break under load, increasing the risk of structural failure in homes, high-rise buildings, bridges and other infrastructure, especially during earthquakes, strong winds or heavy usage,” it said.
