Loren warns traders taking advantage of Christmas rush

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA WARNED UNSCRUPULOUS TRADERS YESTERDAY AGAINST SELLING EXPIRED FOOD ITEMS LIKE HAMS AND DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS LIKE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AS THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING RUSH.
“Those who sell goods that endanger public health and safety must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Loren, who asked local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to “do their job.”

“There are no holidays for people in government because ensuring the safety and welfare of our people is a 24/7 calling for public servants,” she said.

Reports have it that expired food items like ham and cheese are being sold in tiangges, which Loren said can cause serious ailments to those who would consume them.

Defective electrical products like lanterns and other Christmas decors, on the other hand, can cause fires and electrocution.

Loren noted reports that at least one LGU had issued a moratorium on the inspection of business establishment during the Christmas season to ensure that its personnel would not use the occasion to mulct or ask for gifts.

“I do not quite agree with stopping inspections during this time. On the contrary, LGUs and the DTI should double their efforts in checking goods sold during the Christmas holidays,” Loren said.

It is during the holiday season that many tiangges are put up, with the volume of goods sold increasing many-fold, she added.

“Turning a profods sold increasing many-fold, she added.

“Turning a profit is not the end-all and be-all of business because traders have a social responsibility to consumers. Government, on the other hand, has a duty to ensure that the public is not being taken advantage of,” she said.