DTI seizes over P3.5 million substandard steel

MANILA, Philippines — More than P3.5 million worth of substandard steel products were confiscated by the government in Luzon since the start of the year for failing to meet product standards.

In a statement, the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) said this was based on reports shared by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB).

The PISI, which serves as the premiere organization representing the country’s iron and steel industry, said that over 23,000 pieces of deformed rebars were seized in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

These products, sold by over 200 firms, were discovered during the FTEB’s inspections in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal.

Many of these seized rebars failed to meet minimum mechanical and dimensional requirements, including tensile strength and elongation.

In addition, many of the confiscated goods lack proper manufacturer markings.

Substandard steel can deform or break under load.

As such, the use of substandard steel increases the risk of structural failure in homes, high-rise buildings, bridges and other infrastructure, especially during earthquakes, strong winds or heavy usage.

FTEB acting director Marimel Porciuncula said in a letter to PISI president Ronald Magsajo that the bureau would file cases against Flores Commercial and Wan Chiong Steel, which were found to have sold non-compliant deformed bars.

Tests were conducted on the seized products to determine if these conform with standards.

Magsajo said steel manufacturers welcome the FTEB’s initiative to go after sellers of substandard steel and other construction materials.

“We continue to support the government’s drive to ensure public safety by removing substandard steel from the market and penalize retailers and manufacturers found to be non-compliant with Fair Trade Laws,” he said.