DTI Issues Notices of Violation vs 2 Hardware Stores in Pampanga for Selling Substandard Materials
Two hardware stores in Pampanga were cited by DTI after being caught selling substandard construction materials.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued Notices of Violation against two hardware stores in Barangay San Antonio, Arayat, Pampanga, after being caught selling substandard construction materials during a routine inspection.
According to the DTI’s E-Kalasag enforcement team, Nathan Hardware and Construction Supply and Gelo Hardware and Construction Supply were found selling materials that did not bear the required Philippine Standard (PS) Mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Mark.
These marks serve as proof that the products meet safety and quality standards set by the government.
Inspectors discovered that Nathan Hardware was selling steel bars that were undersized and lighter than the standard weight, while Gelo Hardware had wire and plywood products that did not meet proper specifications.
As a result, Nathan Hardware faces a penalty of P50,000, while Gelo Hardware may be fined up to P125,000. Both stores were also given formal Notices of Violation, and the substandard products were prohibited from being sold to the public.
DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau OIC-Director Atty. Jacob Genaro emphasized that substandard materials pose serious risks to consumers, especially in construction projects where safety must always come first.
Meanwhile, the store owners claimed they were unaware of the DTI’s product standards. The agency reminded all business owners to ensure their products undergo proper testing and certification before being sold.
The incident reminds consumers to always check for the PS or ICC marks when purchasing construction materials. Quality and safety should never be compromised, as using substandard materials can endanger lives and lead to bigger problems in the long run.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the issue:
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