DTI Seizes Almost P.5M Uncertified Products in Manila; Affirms Stable BNPC Prices and Supply

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), clutches Php418,578.00 worth of uncertified products; and verified the compliance of retail firms to the latest DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin in its simultaneous technical regulation enforcement and price and supply monitoring in Manila, on 16 December 2022.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo led the DTI monitoring and enforcement teams in inspecting retail firms within Manila.

The heightened enforcement resulted in the confiscation of 650 pieces of uncertified products including 67 pieces of self-ballasted LED bulbs; 144 pieces of lavatories and water closets; and 39 pieces of electric fans, electric rice cookers, electric food mixers, and induction cookers.

“The DTI’s intensified enforcement operation is to ensure that household appliances and other consumer products in the market have undergone and met safety standards,” Usec. Atty. Castelo said.

Usec. Atty. Castelo also reiterated that the DTI’s enforcement initiative is not to restrict business transactions. Instead, it safeguards product quality that guarantees market competitiveness and consumer safety.

All nine (9) firms inspected were issued a Notice of Violation. Thus, as part of the due process, the representative of the stores was given 48 hours to provide an explanation related to the findings of noncompliance.

Last 07 December 2022, DTI also conducted a similar activity that seized 609 pieces of uncertified products worth Php90, 569.00. Such has caused the issuance of NOVs to eight (8) retail firms for selling uncertified electric kettles, electric food mixers, electric fans, electric grills, electric cookers, electric food processors, electric rice cookers, electric juicers, and self-ballasted LED lamps.

From January to November 2022, FTEB has already confiscated 219,693 pieces of uncertified products worth Php67,490,780.90

The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI- Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) regulates 87 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.

Meanwhile, Usec. Atty. Castelo also headed the price monitoring teams in inspecting two (2) supermarkets in Manila to check their compliance with the latest SRP bulletin, released last 12 August 2022.

Aside from being compliant with the latest SRP bulletin, Usec. Atty. Castelo affirmed that both of the monitored supermarkets follow the Noche Buena Price Guide. Moreover, all of the Shelf Keeping Units (SKUs) including Noche Buena items have appropriate price tags.

Furthermore, Usec. Atty. Castelo also expressed that based on their discussion with retail chains, owners, and operators, the DTI is certain that the supply and prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) including Noche Buena Products will continue to remain stable.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

DTI’s “Ikot Palengke” rounds Manila, Watches Over Prices of Noche Buena Staples

Through the team’s price monitoring, Undersecretary Castelo affirmed that the monitored supermarkets comply with the Noche Buena Price Guide. Likewise, all Shelf Keeping Units (SKUs) including Noche Buena items have appropriate price tags.

Upon surveying the prices and supply of Christmas staples, Undersecretary Castelo encouraged consumers to buy in bundles, as this buying scheme provides more affordable alternatives. Further, through product bundling, the buying experience of consumers is simplified.

Aside from the Noche Buena products, the “Ikot Palengke” program manned by the price monitoring task force of Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) also inspected the following (1) Prices and supply of processed and agricultural basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs); (2) Accuracy of weights and measures; and (3) Appropriate price tags.

Trade Secretary Fred Pascual steered the pilot run of “Ikot Palengke” in Marikina City to monitor the supply and prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and to prevent abusive business practices like illegal price manipulation and profiteering.

“As we get busy in preparation for the upcoming holidays, we remind our Filipino consumers to exercise their right to choose. Sa darating na Kapaskuhan at sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon, patuloy ang pagbabantay natin sa presyo at suplay ng mga pangunahin bilihin para masiguro ang mura at masaganang salu-salo para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino”, the Trade Chief assured the consuming public.

The DTI released the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) Bulletin on 12 August 2022; while the Noche Buena Price Guide was released on 23 November 2022.

With the recent Noche Buena Price Guide, Secretary Pascual ensured that he will utilize all possible means to ensure that the prices of BNPCs in the SRP bulletin will not move until after the holiday season.

"We want to make sure that consumers will have access to reasonably-priced goods. Soon, we will conduct a meeting with manufacturers and various companies to possibly come up with solutions that are not only beneficial for them, considering the rising cost of production but most especially for consumers", Pascual said.

Price bulletins and guides aim to boost consumer education by guiding the consuming public in making informed purchases.

The DTI-FTEB conducts weekly monitoring of the price and supply of basic necessities such as, but not limited to, canned sardines, processed milk, powdered milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles; and prime commodities such as, but not limited to, canned meat, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, batteries, flour, cement, hollow blocks, construction nails, light bulbs, electrical supplies, and steel wires. Likewise, through the Ikot Palengke Program of DTI, the team will also conduct monitoring of Christmas staples until New Year.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

Trade Chief tightens price watch in markets with “Ikot Palengke” Marikina-run

23 November 2022—Trade Secretary Fred Pascual steered the pilot run of “Ikot Palengke,” to ensure that the Marikina City public market and supermarkets in the vicinity uphold fair trading and consumer protection amidst inflation and other unprecedented economic factors.

Tagged with the theme, “Tamang Timbang, Tamang Presyo Para sa Mamimiling Pilipino,” Secretary Pascual heads the monitoring task force of the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) in inspecting the: prices and supply of processed and agricultural basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs); accuracy of weights and measures; and appropriate price tags.

The “Ikot Palengke” also includes checking the prices and supply of Christmas staples in time with the release of the Noche Buena Price Guide, on the same day. The Price Guide is intended to boost consumer awareness and assist consuming public in making informed purchases.

“Today’s launch of the “Ikot Palengke” reminds everyone that we at DTI will always make sure to protect our consumers. Let this be a warning to unscrupulous traders and those who do abusive practices such as hoarding, profiteering and cartels. We will not tolerate such," Trade and Industry Secretary said. He continued “Huwag natin lalong pahirapan ang ating mga kababayan!"

Strategic market monitoring seeks to address the issues of profiteering and hoarding. It also seeks to ensure the availability of other alternative products to BNPCs in case of supply shortage. Regular market monitoring guarantees that there will be no artificial shortages that will affect prices.

The Republic Act No. 7581 or The Price Act, as amended, mandates implementing agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure stable prices and supply of BNPCs.

Furthermore, the DTI as part of the implementing agencies of the Price Act (Republic Act No. 7581, as amended by RA No. 10623, is mandated to coordinate and rationalize government programs aimed to stabilizing prices and supplies of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

The DTI-FTEB conducts weekly monitoring of the price and supply of basic necessities such as, but not limited to, canned sardines, processed milk, powdered milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles; and prime commodities such as, but not limited to, canned meat, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, batteries, flour, cement, hollow blocks, construction nails, light bulbs, electrical supplies, and steel wires.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

DTI Ensures Unhampered Movement of Cargo and Transit of Personnel of Operating Establishments

“Movement of all food and non-food cargoes within, to, and from Luzon shall be unhampered, and if subjected to random inspection, shall not be delayed. Transit of personnel of all establishments allowed to operate shall likewise be permitted,” says the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in its latest issuance, Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 20-06.

The MC covers enterprises engaged in the manufacture of all food and essential products, medicine, and medical supplies such as, but not limited to, soap and detergents, diapers, feminine hygiene products, tissue, wipes, and toilet papers, disinfectants, medicines and vitamins; medical personal protective equipment, gloves, and masks.

This includes the distribution and logistics to support manufacturing activities, including cargo handling, warehousing, trucking, and port operations.

Retail establishments such as supermarkets, groceries, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies and drug stores, and the Export and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies are likewise included in the said issuance.

While the MC ensures the smooth and unimpeded movement of all cargoes in the Luzon area, when stopped at any checkpoint for random inspection, the cargo manifest or delivery receipt indicating the destination, nature, and quantity of the loaded goods/cargoes must be presented for them not be delayed.

Transit of personnel of these operating enterprises and establishments shall likewise be allowed in all checkpoints upon presentation of a valid company-issued identification card, proof of residence, or certificate of employment. To further facilitate this, by 22 March 2020, an official IATF ID duly issued by the DTI will be presented at the checkpoints instead of the usual identification requirements.

To apply for the IATF ID, qualified enterprises and establishments covered by MC 20-06 may download and fill-out the template from the DTI website, www.dti.gov.ph/iatfid/, and submit to the following contact points:

CONTACT PERSONS	EMAIL
MANUFACTURING Board of Investments (BOI) Executive Director Ma. Corazon H. Dichosa	manufacturers@dti.gov.ph
RETAIL DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Ms. Angeli Ann Solis Ms. Maria Lorena A. Yanga	retailers@dti.gov.ph
LOGISTICS SERVICES DTI-Supply Chain and Logistics Management Division (SCLMD) Mr. Jonathan Cabaltera Ms. Wea Bohol Ms. Berlin Mabuna	logistics@dti.gov.ph

Meanwhile, operations of Export and BPO companies on a skeletal workforce will be allowed provided that, they observe strict social distancing measures and provide temporary lodging and shuttle service to those assigned as skeletal personnel.

Arrangement with hotels for accommodation of employees of export-oriented and BPO companies and transfer of necessary equipment such as, but not limited to, desktop computers and laptops for those working from home will be permitted until 20 March 2020, unless extended.

“We completely understand the plight of the enterprises and establishments, and their people. The government is doing everything it can to facilitate the most reasonable arrangements while adhering to the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon for the smooth delivery of basic essential goods and services to the people in this time of emergency,” says DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Copies of MC 20-06 were furnished to the Philippine National Police and local government units for proper implementation.

DTI: Manufacturers Assure Sufficient Supply of Basic Goods and Disinfectants in the Market

MAKATI CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) convened the manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC), and alcohol and other disinfectants in a meeting today following the surge in demand for these products in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

The emergency meeting was called to ensure supply availability and price stability of consumer goods in the market.

According to the manufacturers of basic goods, supply is sufficient while regular stocks in their warehouses are good for 1 month more or less, and they can produce more as the need arises.

On rice, the National Food Authority (NFA) assured the DTI that there is sufficient supply in the country.

On retail, supermarket officers of Robinsons, SM and Puregold reported that they hold regular inventory that is good for two (2) months.

Mercury Drug Store mentioned that they maintain a month’s stock of medicines.

On disinfectants, Green Cross Inc. and Philusa Corporation assured the DTI that they have sufficient supply for the coming months and committed to not increase their prices for alcohol brands—Green Cross, Rhea, and Cleene. Both manufacturers said that they are maximizing production to meet the current demand.

Supermarkets and other retail stores agreed with the instruction of DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez to strictly implement the “two bottles of alcohol per transaction” policy to limit the purchase of each buyer thereby preventing shortage and the possibility of resale at an overpriced rate.

“Consumers need not worry as we have enough stocks of basic goods in the market. The DTI is working closely with the manufacturers and retailers to ensure continued flow of supply in the market and reasonableness of prices of basic goods including disinfectants,” says Sec. Lopez.

To ensure the availability of sanitizers, the manufacturers sought assistance from the DTI in coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast track the issuance of Certificates of Product Registration for imported disinfectants.

In terms of health and safety measures, retailers are providing disinfectants at the mall entrances and cash registers. Further, security guards are using contactless thermometers to check the temperature of mall-goers to mitigate the spread of virus.

The meeting was attended by Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines Inc, Alaska Milk Corporation, CDO Foodsphere, Universal Robina Corporation, Century Pacific Inc, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines, Inc. San Miguel Purefoods and Beverage, Inc., Phil Leading Infinite Inc, Nature’s Spring, Megal Global Corporation, Nestle Philippines, Unilever, Gardenia Philippines, National Food Authority, Philippine Consumer Centric Traders Association, Inc., Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines, Green Cross, Johnson & Johnson Philippines Inc, Philusa Corporation, SM Supermarkets, JG Summit Holdings, Inc., Puregold, Metro Retail Stores Group of Companies, Inc, Mercury Drug Store, The Generics Pharmacy, and Metro Retail Stores Group of Companies, Inc.

Business establishments found to have committed any illegal act of price manipulation such as hoarding or profiteering will face a stiff penalty of imprisonment for a period of five (5) years to fifteen (15) years, and will be imposed a fine ranging from Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) up to Two Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00).

Consumers are enjoined to report hoarding, profiteering, panic buying, and any other act of illegal price manipulation through the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.