Defective water purifier in exchange for a job?

Q. Jose Maglonso of San Pedro, Laguna writes: "Last March, my son saw a job ad posted in the municipal hall. In applying for the job, he was told that the company’s recruitment policy required that the applicant first sell the water purifier being marketed by the company. I purchased the purifier valued at P2,650 from my son.

"After two days, the water purifier’s components collapsed. I called the company and complained about the defective product. A service crew went to my house to repair the water purifier. Just two hours after he left, the purifier again collapsed.

"I immediately called the company for more repairs or a refund. The company refused to give me a refund but promised to repair the product again. I was given a hard time on my follow ups. Until now, the product is not yet repaired.

"My son no longer pursued the job in the company selling those defective water purifiers. Fearing that more job seekers may be fooled by this company, I immediately reported the deceptive scheme of the company to the municipal office and the ads were immediately removed.

"Where can I complain against the company’s defective acts?"

A. You can file your case with DTI and seek redress by invoking Section 3, Rule III (on liability for product quality imperfection), Chapter V of the implementing rules and regulations of The Consumer Act of 1992, which provides consumer remedies such as repair, replacement or immediate reimbursement of the amount paid.

You can also notify the Department of Labor and Employment for the fraudulent ad of the company which lured job seekers but instead forced them to purchase or sell the product in order to get the job they have been promised.

Benilda Gonzales of Almanza, Las Pinas sends her belated thanks to DTI-NCR for facilitating/mediating her complaint against the sales promotion of SM-Southmall last January. She complained about the Christmas sales promo of SM supermarket where buyers were entitled to a kilo of spaghetti for every purchase of a pack of Rodeo-branded corned beef consisting of four 225-gram cans.

Ms. Gonzales bought four packs. After queuing at the customer service counter to claim the promo, she was informed that the promo was already finished because their supply of spaghetti had already been depleted.

Ms. Gonzales filed a complaint with DTI-NCR, which then notified SM Southmall. SM agreed to give Ms. Gonzales her promo.

Ms. Gonzales knows her consumer rights. Regardless of the amount or value of the sales promotion, the consumer must call the attention of the seller, who is bound by the truth in advertising provision of the Consumer Law.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI-Domestic Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. You may also call us at our consumer hotlines 896-5740 or 890-4938. Our e-mail address is www.e-reklamo.net.ph)