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Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Gov’t group keeps watch over unsafe goods in market
A multi-sectoral task force has been formed to look into the proliferation of substandard and unsafe products in retail establishments in the region.
Department of Trade and Industry 7 Director Asteria Caberte said the task force, which meets thrice a month, has found several violations, including a big supermarket that was selling goods with tampered price tags.
She declined to identify the violators, but assured that the task force is “serious” about catching those who violate laws on consumer welfare and safety of goods.
The task force is composed of the DTI, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation.
“We are looking into almost every good sold in the market including electrical products, construction materials, etc., to make sure that these will not (jeopardize) the safety and health of the people,” Caberte said.
“We are serious (about stopping) the proliferation of these illegal substandard products (by organizations or individuals) who take advantage of our consumers,” said Zenaida Maglaya, DTI undersecretary for consumer welfare and trade regulation group said.
Maglaya said “consistency” in the implementation of policies will also ensure a “fair and level playing field” for those doing business.
She said the mushrooming of retail outlets owned by foreigners selling goods at relatively cheaper prices is deemed a “healthy competition as long as they are operating legitimately and with proper documentation.”
Maglaya and Caberte were in a press conference following the launch of the DTI-Certified Establishment Program held yesterday at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
To hasten the resolution of consumer complaints, DTI raised the need for customer welfare desks to be established by the private establishments.
She said petty complaints like expired food can be resolved by the stores. (MMM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 23, 2006 issue)
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