“Kahit sabihin pa nilang binili lang nila from suppliers ang mga imported items na walang ICC mark, we still have to penalize them. Ignorance of the law excuses no one,” Barroso stressed. “Hindi sila dapat bibili ng walang ICC mark.”

The ICC stickers protect consumers from substandard and uncertified import shipments as this scheme ensures that these products conform to the Philippine National Standards or international standards for performance and safety.

With this, Barroso is urging consumers to be vigilant on their purchases and not to patronize imported products not bearing ICC marks especially this Christmas season where the sale of uncertified Christmas lights is widespread.

“Dapat yung standard na Christmas lights ang bibilhin natin, makakatulog pa tayo ng mahimbing. Kasi ang sub-standard ay nakaka-cause ng sunog,” Barroso said.

“Dapat maging malakas tayo bilang consumers kasi we are protected by laws. It’s the policy of the state to protect the interest of the consumers, promote his general welfare and establish yung mga standards for the business and industry,” she added.

Meanwhile, Barroso also revealed that three establishments from Sarangani selling hardware products will be awarded on October 21 in the DTI head office with Bagwis Seal of Excellence bronze awards.

This certification is a program of DTI which recognizes establishments practicing fair business while keeping the rights and welfare of consumers. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/Beverly C. Paoyon)