DTI expects decision on Montero Sports SUA lab test by end-May
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday said it will have until end of May this year to come up with the decision on sudden unintended acceleration ( SUA) of Mitsubishi's Montero sports vehicle model.
DTI Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba, in an update to the press on the SUA investigation, said they have now completed the pre-procurement processes paving the way for the full vehicle investigation that will eventually bring five Montero models from 2011 to 2015 to the selected third-party inspection laboratory.
Based on its timetable, the selected third-party inspection laboratory is expected to finish its job by May 23 this year.
The results of the investigation will then be transmitted to the DTI for evaluation by the 3-panel experts committee. A decision maybe rendered by end of May.
"By end of May that will be enough time to come up with the decision," said Dimagiba.
At least eight foreign test and inspection laboratories have expressed keen interest to bid for the full vehicle test. These include 2 German firms, 2 UK, and one each from Denmark, Singapore, Australia and India.
The winning laboratory will conduct full body test -- electromagnetic emission and compatibility. If the result is negative, further parts laboratory tests will be conducted.
All national and international notices for bidding shall have been published paving the way for pre-bidding on Feb. 24 and opening of bids by March 9 and awarding by March 24. The five vehicles are expected to be shipped by air on April 1 with Mitsubishi Motor Philippines to shoulder the cost. The DTI will spend 9 million for the testing fee.
Dimagiba explained that DTI will have to complete the process.
"The duty of DTI is to come up with technical data which we will submit to the public so it it is full-speed ahead on third party laboratory test we will complete our process," he stressed.
Under the National Consumer Act, the DTI has the power to enforce a product recall, prohibit distribution and seizure of products sold after investiga- tions showed the product is injurious, dangerous and unsafe.
Article 10 of the law provide on "Injurious, Dangerous and Unsafe Product" provides: — Whenever the departments find, by their own initiative or by petition of a consumer, that a consumer product is found to be injurious, unsafe or dangerous, it shall, after due notice and hearing, make the appropriate order for its recall, prohibition or seizure from public sale or distribution: Provided, That, in the sound discretion of the department it may declare a consumer product to be imminently injurious, unsafe or dangerous, and order is immediate recall, ban or seizure from public sale or distribution, in which case, the seller, distributor, manufacturer or producer thereof shall be afforded a hearing within forty-eight (48) hours from such order. The ban on the sale and distribution of a consumer product adjudged injurious, unsafe or dangerous, or imminently injurious, unsafe or dangerous under the preceding paragraph shall stay in force until such time that its safety can be assured or measures to ensure its safety have been established.” (BCM)