The Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reported that 94.24% of Metro Manila business establishments monitored are compliant with the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) set by the government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Out of the 5,267 inspected firms last year, 4,121 observed and followed the MPHS.
Meanwhile, 1,146 Requests for Corrective Action (RCAs) were issued to non-compliant business establishments; 590 of which complied within the prescribed time, and 292 were endorsed to Local Government Units (LGUs) for further action and investigation.
According to DTI-FTEB, the majority of the observed non-compliance of the firms is the lack of mandatory contact tracing and/or health declaration forms, thermal scanners, floor markings for the observance of physical distancing, and the regular service maintenance schedule of the firms’ air conditioning units.
This is pursuant to DOLE-DTI Joint Memorandum Circular 20-04-A Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19 which states the implementation of risk mitigation strategies in all operating business establishments in the country by having proper ventilation and contact tracing forms, to name a few.
“Health protocols must be strictly followed to manage business operations in a safer and more effective manner throughout the pandemic.”
DTI – Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo said that health protocols must be strictly followed to manage business operations in a safer and more effective manner throughout the pandemic.
“This 2022, let us continue to be proactive and adhere to our health protocols to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the Filipino consumers, traders, and workers,” Castelo added.
“Together with the other Government Agencies, FTEB will continue to strengthen its monitoring and implementation of MPHS on business establishments by conducting spot-checking activities regularly.”
“The DTI assures the consumers and the public that together with the other Government Agencies, FTEB will continue to strengthen its monitoring and implementation of MPHS on business establishments by conducting spot-checking activities regularly,” DTI – CPG Assistant Secretary and DTI – FTEB Concurrent Director Ronnel Abrenica stressed.
Consumers may report business establishments that are not following the government directive on health protocols by calling the 1-DTI (1-384) Hotline or by sending an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
