DTI Assures to Take Steps Against Dummies

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured stakeholders it will take steps to address unscrupulous alien traders in the country.

Consumers have observed that registered stall owners such as in Cogon market in Cagayan de Oro City are just dummies of illegal alien entrepreneurs i.e. Chinese and Koreans.

A number of businesses are allegedly registered under the names of their salesladies as dummies, reports reaching the DTI bared.

The concern was raised during the Workshop and Dialogue on “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery” held in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental.

Assistant Secretary Ameenah A. Fajardo, meanwhile, said they have limited scope of their regulatory powers against dummies but they have the capability to investigate and recommend.

“We don’t have that in our mandate but we can work with other government enforcing agencies. We can make investigations and do necessary recommendations,” Asec. Fajardo said.

She further said the government has collaborations and convergence to address violations of the 1987 Constitution on the Anti-Dummy Law or the constitutional ban on foreign ownership.

The anti-dummy law prohibits foreigners from intervening in any “nationalized activity” like in business and commerce where a the provisions of the Constitution mandates full Filipino ownership.

In response to the concerns on substandard items being displayed by retailers, Asec. Fajardo urged consumers to ensure their safety and their rights are protected by patronizing only commodities that meet quality standards. (eor/PIA)