DTI seizes sub-standard Christmas lights, issues notice of violation

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) visited some stores in Divisoria in Manila, found and confiscated 16 boxes of Christmas lights that did not go through quality standard testing.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Bernadette Reyes on Wednesday, the products did not bear ICC stickers or Product Standard marks that are signs that these passed the quality standard. There were also items that do not bear the identify of the manufacturer.

“Kung may mangyari, di natin alam sino hahabulin. Sino manufacturer? Di nakalagay doon eh, tsaka hindi na-test yon. Noong mga nakaraang pagkakataon, sa nakaraang taon may mga nareport na fire ang pinagmulan Christmas lights yun ang iniiwasan natin,” said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

DTI officials confiscated products and issued notice of violation.

DTI reminds consumers to plan ahead for the Christmas decorations they intend to set up to ensure safety. Consumers were advised to avoid connecting wirings.

“Huwag tayong matutulog na naka on Christmas lights lalo na sa gabi. Do not overload. Huwag babasain kasi it's an electrical product at saka pag nag dedecorate tayo make sure malayo sa mga bata,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles.

Bulbs inside Christmas lanterns were also inspected for Quality Standard.

“Yung ilang components o bahagi ng parol atin po yan minomonitor at ineenforce ng products standards kagaya ng wiring electrical wiring kagaya ng bumbilya.. ine-enforce po ng BSP ang compliance sa mga standards na yan,” said DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Fhilip Sawali.

Meanwhile, DTI also checked if prices of Noche Buena items in Divisoria supermarkets adhere to the price guide.

“Ang nagse-set ng price guide para sa Noche Buena products ay mga manufacturers. Price guide ito kaya sila yung naninigurado na walang profiteering at the retailers level,” said Pascual. — Jiselle Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News