In a record-breaking haul, the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Task Force Kalasag (TFK), in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), seized nearly P94 million worth of automotive-related products from a warehouse in Quezon City.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 18, the DTI said that the operation, conducted on Sept. 9, resulted in the immediate closure of the warehouse by the Quezon City local government.
The seized items, consisting of 20,809 units of uncertified lead-acid storage batteries and tires, were found to be in violation of Republic Act 4109, or the Products Standards Law, and Department Administrative Order No. 02.
According to the DTI, these products lacked the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) marks and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, posing a potential safety risk to consumers.
“We refuse to wait for accidents, injuries, or even deaths to happen before taking action. This operation sends a clear message: We will not tolerate the sale of hazardous and substandard products that put lives of Filipinos at risk,” said DTI Acting Secretary Cristina Roque.
“Our aim is not to hinder businesses but to ensure a level playing field. By removing dangerous and uncertified goods, we protect consumers and support legitimate businesses that prioritize quality and compliance. Aligned with the President’s goal of Bagong Pilipinas, we aim to safeguarding our consumers from products that compromise their well-being,” she added.
The DTI's Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) confirmed the lack of certification for the seized items.
DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Fhillip Sawali emphasized the importance of safety over saving money, urging consumers to always look for the PS and ICC marks on products and to purchase certified automotive parts from reputable sources.
Reinforcing this message, DTI Fair Trade Group (FTG) Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring and swift removal of unsafe products.
Formed in April 2024, Task Force Kalasag has already confiscated nearly 31,000 units of automotive-related products amounting to P114.7 million.
The DTI encourages the public to report any retailers, distributors, or manufacturers selling uncertified items.