DTI lifts suspension on Wan Chiong Steel

Pampanga-based Wan Chiong Steel Corp. assured it is “business as usual” in its steel smelting plant after the Trade Department lifted the suspension order on its license.

Joela Cabunillas, a representative of Wan Chiong Steel, said they maintained normal business operations as they continued to comply with DTI requirements.

“We would like the public to know that we are operating business as usual with the lifting of our license suspension.  We cry foul over news reports that the public is being warned against buying our products.  This is due to business competition,” he said.

“We have complied with DTI’s requirements.  We urge the public to be mindful about the truthfulness, and the veracity of the news reports peddled about our company.  We also thank the general public for continuously patronizing our products.”

James Empeno, director of the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards said in a letter dated May 2, 2019 that the “results of the verification audit conducted on Feb. 27, 2019, showed compliance with the requirements” by Wan Chiong Steel Corp.

“Likewise, results of the third party independent test showed conformance with the requirements of the standards,” Empeno said in the letter.

“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 letter stated.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau also issued a resolution dated Feb. 27, 2019 clearing Wan Chiong Steel of any previous violations, allowing 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.”