Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials on Friday, Dec. 6, reminded the public to make sure they buy Christmas lights and similar decorations that bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker to ensure their safety during the holidays.
DTI inspection teams have so far found three establishments in downtown Bacolod City selling Christmas lights without the requisite markings, Reginald Hudierez, DTI Negros Occidental Consumer Protection Unit senior specialist, said at a media forum.
Engiemar Tupas, DTI Consumer Protection Unit and Business Development Unit chief, said the three establishments were reprimanded and ordered to pull out all the illegal items.
In the event that they are found selling the same items by DTI re-monitoring teams they will be issued notices of violation and subjected to penalties, he said.
Tupas said business establishments should follow the law because the sale of substandard Christmas lights could endanger lives and property during the holidays.
He also reminded the public to patronize legitimate online sellers for their safety.
Kenneth Villarosa, DTI Consumer Protection Unit senior specialist, said the DTI is also closely monitoring Noche Buena items being sold in Negros Occidental.
He reminded the public to make it a habit to compare, examine, and review different options before making a purchase.
Always check the labels for expiration date and price tags of products before buying, and inspect the quality of products to avoid counterfeit Noche Buena items, he also said.
He reminded consumers to buy from trusted stores.
Be on the look out for discounted and promotional products, he also said.*