By Franco Regala
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- At least 38 of 258 firms in Central Luzon are non-compliant with free trade laws, according to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Free Trade and Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).
DTI regional director Judith Angeles said that tje firms are non-compliant with regulations on Product Standards, Price Tag, Sales Promo and other consumer laws.
The data were gathered last semester, she added.
“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,” Angeles said.
The DTI director also said that a total of 4,854 products worth P753,406 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.
She stressed that these products fall under the mandatory products category which should comply to Philippine National Standards before they are distributed and sold in the market.
The DTI3 chief said that enforcement activities are regularly conducted by the agency "to make sure that consumers not only get the best value for their money but also to protect them against possible defective products. "
She urged consumers to seek the assistance of DTI when lodging complaints against violating firms,” Angeles added.