Steel trader files graft case vs 2 DTI officials

A steel trader has filed criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against two officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for violations of the Anti-Red Tape Law and the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Lawrence Daniel Sy, president of Mannage Resources Trading Corp. (MRTC), accused DTI Region 3 director Judith Angeles and DTI-Bureau of Product Standards assistant director Marimiel Porciuncula of discriminatory conduct after the two recalled the final import commodity clearance (ICC) issued on his company’s shipment of imported steel last Dec. 8, nine days after it was issued.

Sy said the actions of the two DTI officials caused undue delay to his business as well as damage to the reputation of his company being a new player in the industry, especially after news of the ICC recall was published.

DTI Region 3 issued the final ICC on Nov. 29, 2016 for 20,000 tons of steel rebars imported by MRTC.

“Inexplicably, on Dec. 9, 2016, MRTC received a letter dated Dec. 8, 2016 co-signed by public respondents Angeles and Porciuncula, unilaterally recalling/withdrawing the final ICC without stating a clear reason therefor,” Sy said.

MRTC stressed it had complied with all requirements and regulations which was the basis for the issuance of the final ICC.

In a letter addressed to Sy, Angeles and Porciuncula said they are “duty bound to recall or withdraw” the ICC upon review of post shipment inspection documents.

Cited as the reason for the withdrawal of the ICC was to ensure that the shipment meets the required laws, rules and standards required for traceability, quality, and safety.

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute ( PISI), the umbrella organization for the local steel industry, has lauded the decision of the DTI to recall MRTC’s import certification.

PISI president Roberto Cola said the act of withdrawal was “in the interest of public safety” and in line with the government and industry’s policy of strictly enforcing the mandatory standards for steel products.

Cola said DTI’s recall and stricter implementation of mandatory standards are welcome news to the consuming public as these can lead to stopping the proliferation of uncertified and substandard steel bars in the market.