Cement Manufacturer of the Philippines President Dr. Ernesto Ordonez shows a sample of smuggled cement.
(UNTV NEWS)
A group of local cement manufacturers in the country has cautioned the public on the dangers which might be caused by smuggled cement.
This after they found out that thousand metric tons of smuggled cement has got into the local market.
According to the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP), nine shipments of cement from Vietnam and China were smuggled into the country in the past few months.
The undervalued shipments totaling over 70,000 metric tons arrived in the ports of Davao, Puerto Princesa, La Union, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
CEMAP President Ernesto Ordonez says the smuggled cement has already reached the local market but its quality is good so far.
But he warns that it is possible that substandard cement will come next which might put the life and property of the consumers at risk.
Ordonez adds that the demand for cement has increased and some importers are taking advantage of it.
CEMAP has coordinated with the Bureau of Customs to stop future smuggling attempts.
They estimated that the government lost about 8 million pesos in revenues in the 9 shipments of smuggled cement.
“We audited the freight and we found out that there’s a big discrepancy. And then moving forward, we are now checking even the value [of the products.]” said Customs commissioner Alberto Lina.
CEMAP has already filed charges against the importers whom they refuse to name.
They advise the consumers to be careful in buying cement and make sure it has proper markings such as the name of the manufacturer, the date of production and the batch number.
It should also bear the “ps” mark which is a proof that it passed the product standards of the DTI.
(RODERIC MENDOZA/UNTV NEWS)
The post Local manufacturers warn public of dangers of smuggled cement appeared first on UNTV News.