DTI-7 initiates creation of Consumer Federation

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas (DTI-7) is going to facilitate the creation of a Consumer Federation in the region to establish a solid voice for consumer protection.

DTI-7 division head Carol Josh Ventura announced that the Central Visayas Organization in Consumer Empowerment will soon be formally organized. Consumer organizations from different provinces in the region, such as Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Suiquijor will be well represented.

According to Ventura, there is a need for the consumers to create a strong organization, in order to boost consumer vigilance, and craft advocacies that represent the voice of the consumer sector.

DTI-7 will also link the consumer group to have a closer relationship with the retail players, through the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu Chapter), so that concerns on ill practices of some retail players will be addressed.

The federation will also be oriented in the Consumer Act, so that they can be protected well, and informed of their rights as consumers.

Ventura said consumers should be well oriented in the Consumer Act of the Philippines, or the Republic Act no. 7394. The federation is expected to inform its members on their rights to protect themselves.

The RA 7394 is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote general welfare to establish standards of conducts for business and industry. The Act, implements measure to achieve objectives for ultimate consumer protection, such as protection against hazards to health and safety; against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices, provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper exercise of rights by the consumers; provision of adequate rights and means of redress and involvement of consumer representatives in the formulation of social and economic policies.

Meanwhile, Ventura urged retail players to properly implement measures to comply with the Consumer Act, such as coming up with their own consumer welfare desk.

Ventura said that every retail player should install a consumer welfare representative in every outlet as this is required by the law.

She emphasized that the common practice of posting "No-Return-No-Exchange" should not be posted in the store premises, nor be written in the official receipt.

She reiterated that consumers should strongly assert their rights. "Consumers are entitled to either an exchange or refund as long as there is defect in qualifies of goods, or imperfection of the service."

Ventura said there is a need to develop a well educated consumer community to avoid the proliferation of irresponsible retail traders. (FREEMAN)