The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Task Force Kalasag, has taken decisive action to protect consumers by seizing over 20,000 units of non-compliant products in a recent series of operations in Cebu. The confiscated items, valued at over PHP 1.44 billion, included substandard steel products, construction materials, lighters, LPG-related items, electrical devices, appliances, and automotive parts.
These products were seized during operations on March 3, 6, and 7, due to their lack of required Philippine Standard (PS) marks, Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, and essential manufacturer information. This violates the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), the Products Standards Law (RA 4109), and DTI regulations.
“As primary regulators and stakeholders of the steel sector, the safety of consumers and the integrity of the market depend on our knowledge, skills, and diligence. Thus, our activity today rightly focuses on capacitating enforcers and monitors to effectively carry out their responsibilities” said ASec. Agaton Teodoro Uvero said.
To further strengthen enforcement capabilities, the DTI conducted a two-day “Enforcers’ Retooling Session on Technical Regulations on Steel Products.” The session included knowledge-sharing for DTI enforcers, both in-person and virtually, and a plant visit. Experts from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and key industry figures provided crucial updates and insights on steel product standards.
“The DTI prioritizes fostering a safer and more reliable environment for both businesses and consumers. I hope that it is never lost on anyone the importance of ensuring that construction and engineering materials are safe and certified,” Director Atty. Regino Mallari Jr. highlighted.
Engineers Andrea Mikhaela Lazarte and Matt Morris Veleña from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) provided updates on the technical regulations for steel products.
Key industry figures, including Mr. Walther Lobitania, Mr. Victor Altavas, and Mr. Jojo Gatola from DN Steel, Mr. Mark De Guzman from GalvaPhil, Inc., Mr. Nelson Gutierrez from the Steel Angles, Shapes, and Sections Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, and Mr. Joel Ronquillo, Vice President for Technical Affairs of the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, also provided briefings on the Philippine National Standards on steel products.
This enforcement push follows the launch of “E-Kalasag” in April 2024, an expanded electronic version of Task Force Kalasag, designed to enhance consumer protection in both physical and digital markets. In the first two months of 2025, E-Kalasag achieved an 88.34% compliance rate among monitored retail firms, resulting in the issuance of 57 notices of violation and the seizure of over PHP 8.3 million worth of non-compliant products.
“As part of the DTI’s mandate to uphold the highest standard of service nationwide, we are fully dedicated to protecting consumers by ensuring that only certified, quality products reach the market. At the same time, we ensure that our monitoring and enforcement teams have the expertise and knowledge necessary to deliver first-rate service,” emphasized DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
Consumers are encouraged to report any violations or concerns to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]
