Caloocan cracks down on substandard Christmas lights

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri warned yesterday the public against buying substandard Christmas lights even as he ordered a crackdown against these fire hazards.

Echiverri directed the city’s Market Operation Division and the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management to monitor stores and malls in the city that are deliberately selling cheap – as low as three sets for P100 – but poor quality Christmas lights and decors that use electricity.

He also warned that stores caught selling these substandard goods will face stricter penalties or have their business licenses revoked.

Echiverri also ordered all department heads and chief of offices to make sure that city government offices do not use these products.

“We are urging consumers to buy and use only government-certified products. These are items with certified ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) and PS (Product Safety) marks on them. These marks are a guarantee that these products have been inspected and are safe to use,” the mayor said.

He added that consumers should also check if the sets of Christmas lights bear the manufacturer’s name, address and trademark.

Echiverri encouraged the public to immediately report to the city government (telephone number 288-8811 local 2236) or the Department of Trade and Industry (751-3330) any trader selling the substandard products. – Jerry Botial