ARAYAT, Pampanga — A notice of violation was issued on Oct. 7 by the Department of Trade and Industry against two hardware stores in Barangay San Antonio here after being found selling substandard construction materials.
During routine enforcement of E-Kalasag, DTI found that Nathan Hardware and Construction Supply and Gelo and Nathan Hardware were selling construction materials without the PS (Philippine Standard) mark and ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) sticker.
Nathan Hardware was found to have been selling steel of insufficient size and weight while Gelo and Nathan was found to have stocks of wire and plywood that were not up to standard.
The DTI will impose P50,000 fine for Nathan while P125,000 fine for Gelo and Nathan and are no longer allowed to sell the discovered substandard materials.
According to DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) OIC-director Atty. Genaro Jacob, selling of substandard construction materials will compromise public safety because it will affect the integrity of the buildings and houses.
Meanwhile, the establishment owners said that they had no idea about the product standards implemented by the DTI.
According to John Cunanan, owner of Nathan Hardware, the agency did not inform them about the said policy because if they knew about it, they themselves would not accept the said defective products.
He said that DTI must focus against those companies that produce substandard materials and not just hardware stores who are also victimized by the substandard products.
