MANILA, Philippines - Alarmed by rising cases of substandard building products coming into the country, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters is urging Congress to look into their questionable entry.
In a letter to House committee on trade and commerce chair Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron, UFFC president Rodolfo Javellana Jr. underscored the need for tighter import controls to help save lives and properties and stop the illicit practice of some traders.
“In the interest and protection of the Filipino consumers against uncertified and possible substandard/hazardous construction materials, may we humbly request your trade and commerce committee to conduct an urgent inquiry or investigation on the matter,” the letter read.
According to the group, the country could become the dumping ground of “non-compliant” and substandard building materials. “The Filipino people would end up losing their hard-earned money, homes and worse, their lives once a powerful earthquake or a huge flood happens,” Javellana said.
The UFFC movement comprising various consumers and transport groups reacted to the importation of 20,000 metric tons of steel bars from China with a commercial market value of P500 million at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Port recently.
“However, last Dec. 8, 2016, its import commodity clearance was recalled/withdrawn by the very government agency that issued it, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards, to make sure the cargo is compliant with law on its traceability, quality and safety,” the letter stated.
“But as of Dec. 19, truckloads of the shipment were illegally withdrawn/sold to the market.”