The Department of Trade and Industry lifted the suspension of Pampanga-based Wan Chiong Steel Corp. after tests showed the company complied with product standards.
Bureau of Product Standards director James Empeno lifted the suspension in an order he signed on May 2, 2019, a copy of which was sent to Wan Chiong Steel. It indicated that the license suspension of the said steel smelting plant dated Dec. 5, 2018, was lifted.
Wan Chiong Steel issued the statement to dispute media reports late last week that there is still an existing suspension order, with the public being warned against buying the company's steel products.
“We would like the public to know that our suspension has been lifted. We cry foul over news reports that the public is being warned against buying our products. This is due to business competition. But it is time that our side is heard,” said Wan Chiong Steel spokesperson Joela Cabunillas.
“We have complied with DTI’s requirements, and again, our suspension order has been lifted last May 2, 2019. We urge the public to be mindful about the truthfulness, and the veracity of the news reports peddled about our company,” she added.
DTI’s letter stated that “in view of the above and considering your consistent compliance with the previous BPS orders, the license suspension dated Dec. 5, 2018, is hereby lifted.”
The Environmental Management Bureau of the Environment Department also issued a resolution dated Feb. 27, 2019 clearing Wan Chiong Steel of any previous violations.
This also allowed the company to “resume its plant operations as a result of compliance with their commitments; as well as with existing environmental laws, rules and regulations being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment Management Bureau.”