SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — Confiscated products cannot be distributed to the public and are destroyed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) when they pose health and safety risks to consumers, according to DTI Provincial Director Noel Flores.
During the destruction of seized items at the Municipal Plaza on Saturday, March 15, Flores explained that the confiscated products lacked the Philippine Standard (PS) markings and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, and is considered substandard and dangerous.
He emphasized that items that meet the Philippine National Standards (PNS) are marked with PS or ICC, an indication that they are of high quality.
Among the items that were destroyed were portable electric fans, which Flores warned could pose fire hazards due to their uncertain quality, as well as GI wires commonly used in construction.
The condemned products were part of uncertified goods nabbed by the DTI across the province, valued at ₱341,045.
Before disposal, DTI ensured that clearances are obtained from various agencies, including the Commission on Audit (COA), to guarantee transparency in the disposal process, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to manage items that may harm the environment, such as uncertified car batteries.
Flores also refuted claims that DTI employees take home these confiscated products or resell them, emphasizing that the COA meticulously accounts for all declared and destroyed items.
In his message, Flores lauded business establishments in Occidental Mindoro for their increased compliance with regulations, resulting in a decrease in the number of seized uncertified products.
He then urged the public to always check for the Philippine Standard (PS) Mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker when purchasing products to ensure their quality and safety. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro)
