Over 1,000 Monobloc Chairs Were Destroyed by DTI For Failing to Meet Safety Standards
The Department of Trade and Industry destroys more than 1, 000 monobloc chairs for failing to meet the required safety standards.
On Tuesday (October 24, 2023), DTI – Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau destroyed more than 1, 000 confiscated monobloc chairs with serious safety issues, such as broken legs and cracks. The defective chairs may pose a risk to those who use them.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the importance of addressing these defective chairs. The official explained that safety is important and that any substandard product must be removed from circulation to prevent potential harm.
“Kinukumpisa natin yung mga defective chairs and stools, may mga putol na yung paa at may mga lamat na yung plastic na kailangan maalis na sa gamit kasi delikado sa mga uupo,” Pascual said.
To avoid falling victim to substandard furniture, consumers are encouraged to check for safety indicators. The ICC sticker or the product standards mark is one such indicator that assures consumers that the product has met the necessary safety standards.
DTI-FTEB Director Fhilip Sawali explained that the presence of the manufacturer’s name on the chair is necessary for identification and accountability.
“Kapag hindi po certified, presumably hindi sila safe sa buhay, sa kalusugan, kaligtasan ng mga consumer natin. And then yung iba walang mga labels di po naka-indicate kung saan sila ginawa,” Sawali said.
The absence of labeling revealing the source of the product is also grounds for concern. When purchasing chairs or any other product, it is essential to be cautious to ensure that they follow set safety criteria.
An operated materials recovery facility in Manila recycles broken plastic chairs and transforms them into useful items such as pots, keychains, and even construction materials.
According to Francois Lasage, Founder of Plastic Flamingo, plastic chairs are crushed and recycled into panels that can be used to create furniture, benches, tables, and cabinets.
In a similar report, a disappointed netizen slams cop for wearing substandard helmet
The online community reacts to the agency’s move:
