MANILA: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to revoke the licenses of manufacturers and importers supplying substandard steel rebars, emphasizing the risk to public safety and the need for stricter quality controls.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pimentel highlighted the recent findings of substandard rebars in various regions, including Mindanao and Northern Luzon, which were identified during a test-buy operation conducted by DTI and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI). The operation took place in numerous cities and provinces such as Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Samal Island, Cotabato City, Pagadian City, and Iligan City between September 9 and 13. The rebars tested during this operation were found to be below the minimum standard for weight, which could lead to increased brittleness and potential structural failures.
In his statement, Pimentel called
for the cancellation of permits for those found guilty of manufacturing or importing these inferior materials. He stressed the importance of accountability and the need for such measures to serve as a deterrent to prevent similar practices in the future. Furthermore, Pimentel praised the efforts of the DTI and PISI but also pushed for the expansion of these test-buy operations nationwide.
Pimentel also emphasized that the government, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways, has a critical role in ensuring that no substandard construction materials are used in public infrastructure projects. These projects include vital structures such as roads, bridges, schools, and government buildings, where the use of inadequate materials could have disastrous consequences.