Public warned vs China-made toys in Divisoria

With the Christmas season just around the corner, Senator Manuel Villar on Wednesday expressed alarm over the alleged influx of hazardous toys to the Philippine market. During Wednesday's trade committee hearing, Victorio Dimagiba of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection said most of the goods sold in famous consumer hub Divisoria did not pass through the certificate of conformity procedures of the Department of Health. Villar, chairman of the Senate committee on trade and commerce, said tests conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that toys manufactured from China used the most cadmium, with 89 percent to 91 percent cadmium by weight. “This is a cause for alarm as most of the toys found in the market are manufactured in China," he said. Villar said cadmium is a known carcinogen that, like lead, can hinder brain development and cause learning disabilities. He said it can also cause kidney, lung, and intestinal problems; weakened bones; and developmental defects. Because of this, he said there is a need to pass a law that would protect children against the potential hazards of some toys. “We are duty-bound to safeguard public health. But more than that, it is our absolute and implicit duty as parents to ensure that our children get the best care and protection against possible health risks," he said during the hearing. Villar authored Senate Bill No. 1309 or the Toy Safety Labeling Act, which requires manufacturers to label products for children with clear safety warnings or instructions. “I filed this bill to fill the void between the existing law and the need to set standardized labeling requirements for certain toys and games of children. Toys are there to be enjoyed by our children, these should not hurt or harm them," he said. SB 1309 requires the packaging of toys or games with small parts intended for children 10 years old and below to bear the statement: "Warning: Choking Hazard." Villar said toymakers should also indicate on the product information whether any of the materials used in making the toy was “toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable, or combustible." He added that the warning should be displayed in Filipino or English or both. Villar said toys that will not comply with these requirements shall be considered misbranded or banned hazardous substances and shall be withdrawn from the market at the expense of the manufacturer. Violators shall also be penalized with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than three months but not more than two years or both depending on the court. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News