DTI asked to probe substandard steel products

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been asked to investigate the smuggling and proliferation of substandard steel products in the country.

Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, made the request following the seizure of thousands of low-quality steel bars in a raid in Caloocan City recently.

Based on industry record, over 350,000 tons of substandard steel products are being manufactured or smuggled into the country yearly.

Aquino also asked the DTI to submit a report on counterfeiting of trademarks allegedly by some local manufacturers.

At the same time, he urged authorities to observe the right to due process of all parties concerned before naming people or firms allegedly involved in counterfeiting or smuggling of steel bars in media reports.

A DTI official reportedly named five local manufacturers involved in counterfeiting or distributing substandard steel products even if the department is yet to investigate the case.

“This is detrimental to steel manufacturers and hardware store owners who have been doing an honest-to-goodness business. For all we know, the one pointing to other manufacturers could be the guilty one,” a hardware store owner who asked not to be identified said.

“I will now have to validate whether the steel bars with SA logo which I carry are substandard or not,” he said.

The Philippine Iron and Steel Association appealed to the government to immediately look into the problem steel manufacturers and sellers to protect the public.