The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported it has confiscated over PHP3.5 million worth of substandard steel products since the start of the year, as part of its ongoing effort to rid the market of unsafe construction materials.
The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) said the data was shared by DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) showed the agency confiscated 23,000 pieces of deformed rebars were seized in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. The FTEB, an agency under DTI, is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, regulating businesses, and ensuring compliance with product standards.
These products – sold by over 200 firms – were discovered in inspections the FTEB conducted in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal.
Many of the seized rebars failed to meet minimum mechanical and dimensional requirements, including tensile strength, elongation and proper manufacturer markings.
PISI pointed out that 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.
In a letter to PISI president Ronald Magsajo, FTEB acting director Marimel Porciuncula said the bureau would file cases against two firms, which were found to have sold non-compliant deformed bars based on FTEB testing.
Magsajo said steel manufacturers were encouraged by the FTEB’s initiative to go after sellers of substandard steel and other 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.
