FACT: Steel plants owned by Chinese nationals under investigation for substandard products

by Jerome Tan

A Facebook post claims that Chinese steel plants have been producing substandard and hazardous steel, resulting in the collapse of several buildings under construction.

CLAIM:

Chinese steel plants have been linked to substandard and radioactive steel products behind the collapse of buildings under construction, which is a huge danger for the safety of Philippine infrastructure.

RATING: FACT

CONCLUSION:

While the post is sensationalized, the claim rests on a predominantly factual basis. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has widened its investigation into substandard steel after raids on steel plants owned by Chinese nationals, but there is no evidence that the Chinese government is directly involved in the plants.

THE FACTS:

• Five steel facilities, all owned by Chinese nationals, have been raided this year by the NBI and other government agencies as part of a crackdown on substandard steel. Steel bars containing radioactive materials that failed safety standards were also found during some raids.
• NBI Director Matibag stated (timestamp: 1:24) that products from some raided companies were found in “totally collapsed” buildings from this year’s earthquake in Mindanao. 
• In the same interview, Director Matibag mentioned (timestamp: 2:25) that all such steel plants under investigation were owned by Chinese nationals, although he did not exclude the possibility of Filipinos being involved.
• While the Chinese government has condemned the raids and arrests as being discriminatory, there is no evidence of a wider state-led conspiracy to undermine the country’s infrastructure, as all plants were privately owned.

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

Substandard construction materials are a clear threat to public safety, and only a thorough and unbiased investigation can prevent undue loss of life when disasters strike.