The local steel industry has joined lawmakers in their call to stop the proliferation of substandard and uncertified steel bars, which are either imported or produced from local rolling mills using induction furnaces.
“The problem of substandard rebars (reinforcing steel bars) is driven by economic gain from the market that is not very conscious of product quality and safety. These are the small contractors and homeowners who are more concerned with the price and cost savings rather than quality and safety,” said Philippine Iron and Steel Institute president Roberto Cola during a recent Senate hearing.
“Considering that our country has suffered from an inexhaustible number of deadly typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and other natural calamities, it is imperative that our structures are sturdy and disasters resilient,” Sen. Panfilo Lacson said.
Cola said during the Senate hearing the industry group recommended the ban on the use of induction furnaces for rebar steelmaking, noting that China already declared them illegal.
