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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Substandard steel bars found in Northern Luzon

Substandard steel bars found in Northern Luzon

Published Aug 18, 2024 09:14 pm

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) has identified substandard steel bars (rebars) in various northern Luzon provinces following random test purchases.

In a statement on Sunday, Aug. 18, PISI President Ronald Magsajo expressed concern over public safety, stating, “This is a major issue.”

“PISI is coordinating with DTI [Department of Trade and Industry] Consumer/Regional Operations Group and various government agencies to address this problem,” Magsajo said.

In late July, PISI purchased 33 samples from 16 hardware stores in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya. 

Testing revealed that 13 samples failed to meet the Philippine National Standard for rebars, particularly in terms of mass variation and elongation. 

Four manufacturers were linked to these deficiencies, which were confirmed by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) Testing Laboratory in Cavite.

Substandard steel bars can compromise the integrity of buildings. The use of low-quality rebars in construction can lead to catastrophic results, such as cracks in buildings, bowed walls, and, in extreme cases, collapses.

In May, the DTI seized over P2.4 million worth of non-compliant steel products following several enforcement operations in the first trimester of 2024.

The DTI, through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), confiscated a total of 7,723 units of uncertified steel products after inspecting hardware stores in the CALABARZON Region and the National Capital Region.

The highest value among the products confiscated was from low carbon steel wires and deformed steel bars, amounting to P1.59 million and P866,500, respectively. Additionally, substandard equal leg steel angle bars and steel wire nails were also among the items seized.

From January to April 2024, FTEB monitored and inspected 289 retail firms, 41 of which were found with non-compliant products. This led to the issuance of Notices of Violation (NOV) that mandated them to provide an explanation within 48 hours.

The DTI has intensified its monitoring and enforcement efforts through the creation of Task Force Kalasag, which aims to crack down on uncertified consumer products, including substandard construction materials.

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