New DTI chief pushes swift resolution of consumer complaints

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has called for the swift resolution of consumer-related concerns, ordering a new round of bidding for the testing of an alleged faulty car model as well as review of policies on products under mandatory certification during his first few days in office.

In an interview with The STAR, Trade Undersecretary Victorio Dimagiba said Lopez is generally satisfied with the high level of consumer awareness in the country, but wants consumer complaints addressed more quickly.

As a start, Dimagiba said Lopez has ordered for a third round of bidding for the procurement of a third party laboratory that would conduct tests on Mitsubishi Montero models for the alleged sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) cases in the Philippines.

“Per his instruction, he wants to pursue the bidding even though it had two failed biddings during the past administration. We published it last July 1, during his first day in office, so we will be having a new selection process,” Dimagiba said.

For the third round, DTI is inviting bidders to do a comprehensive test on two Mitsubishi Montero Sport units as well as provide delivery of the test results.

The DTI said a two stage bidding process would be applied for this round of procurement and bidders should have completed at least two similar contracts within the past three years, with the total amount of these contract equivalent to at least 50 percent of the approved contract budget of P3.6 million.

The first submission and opening of bids is scheduled on July 22.

The DTI conducted a fact finding investigation last year to look into consumer complaints regarding alleged SUA cases in the country of Mitsubishi’s Montero Sport automatic units.

A total of 56 complaints were filed with the DTI for the said car models manufactured between 2011 to 2015.

Foreign laboratories are being tapped as facilities needed for a full vehicle testing are not available locally.

“As for products under mandatory certification, he (Lopez) wants it to be reviewed. He wants products that are receiving a lot of complaints on sampling, inspection, and testing to be prioritized,” Dimagiba said.