Get traders behind mislabeling, DTI told

If the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) really intends to revive local businesses affected by the pandemic, a consumer group challenged the agency to go after erring traders who are passing off imported products as Philippine made.

“Warning unscrupulous businessmen who are behind mislabeling activities is not enough,” Lokal Muna-Consumer Protection Watch, a group pushing for the welfare of consumers, local industries and Filipino workers, said in a statement.

“Putting one or all of them behind bars for mislabeling will send a strong signal that the DTI is indeed serious in its push to prioritize local products and help the economy recover from the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” it added.

The group pointed out that local industries don’t stand a chance if imported products being sold as local goods — such as rice, chicken, cement and other construction materials — continue to flood the market.

The DTI earlier warned that erring businessmen who will capitalize on the government’s “buy local” campaign through mislabeling could face jail time and fines.

Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines punishes businessmen guilty of mislabeling with imprisonment of up to two years and fine, or both, at the discretion of the court.

They may also be charged with performing deceptive sales acts and practices, punishable with a fine or imprisonment of up to one year or both.

The government has revived the “buy local” to help the country’s economy to get back on its feet and protect the employment of many Filipinos.

The recently passed Bayanihan To Recover As One Act” or Bayanihan 2 Act, mandates that local manufacturers be given priority in the purchase of P3 billion worth of medical products.

The use of local construction materials for infrastructure projects of national and local governments was also pushed by no less than DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez during Congress’ deliberation on Bayanihan 2.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles also added his voice to the growing clamor, saying buying local food and other goods can support the businesses in the country and preserve jobs of Filipinos affected by the pandemic.

Nograles, who also leads the government’s effort against hunger, added that purchasing local goods can help people save money as these products are usually more affordable compared to imported goods.