CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Free Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) found 38 out of the 258 firms visited in Central Luzon last semester to be non-compliant with Free Trade Laws.
In particular, they are non-compliant with regulations on Product Standards, Price Tag, Sales Promo and other consumer laws.
“24 of these firms are located in Tarlac, 6 in Pampanga, and 8 in Bulacan. FTEB has issued 31 Notices of Violation, 4 Show Cause Order, and 3 Letters of Inquiry to the reportedly erring firms,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.
Moreover, a total of 4,854 products worth Php753,406 that allegedly violated free trade laws have been identified in the enforcement activity of FTEB in Central Luzon.
These include fuse boxes, CFL lamps, electrical plugs and switches, G.I. wire, monobloc chairs, urinals, toilet bowls, urinal, lavatory, electric fan, rice cooker, blender, electric stove, receptacle, and extension cords.
They fall under the mandatory products category which should comply to Philippine National Standards before they are distributed and sold in the market.
“Enforcement activities are regularly conducted by DTI to make sure that consumers not only get the best value for their money but also to protect them against possible defective products. Consumers, on the other hand, are encouraged by DTI to seek the assistance of DTI when lodging complaints against violating firms,” Angeles added.