Giving way to readers

Today, we are giving way to many of our readers who have sent emails and letters, and who made telephone calls inquiring or requesting for clarifications on some of the issues featured in the column. Let’s start with the consumer protection issue.

Extended warranty service

Many of those who read my previous column entitled, “Joblessness” (Philippine STAR, March 2, 2009), are requesting for clarification regarding the extended warranty service that Asia Warranty Services (AWS) was providing for digital equipment.  

In response to these queries, Sharon Camesa-Sim, AWS Business Development Manager (Asia Pacific), clarified that the present scope of service extends only to digital electronic products being sold and marketed by Camera Sound, Inc., under the brands of Canon, Sony, Kodak, Pentax, Casio, Nikon and Olympus.

She also emphasized that these digital items are expensive, and that consumers must consider the availability of extended warranty service before making the decision to buy from a particular seller. She warned that not all sellers of digital equipment offer extended warranty service.

To the question whether extended warranty service is required by existing laws in the country, the answers is no. But definitely, consumer groups can lobby for such legislation.

Those who need more information about extended warranties may call Sharon or any AWS staff at 844-3281 or 844-6020 or visit www.asiawarranty.com.

On exorbitant credit card company charges

This one is from Patrick Dacanay, a Citibank card holder for the past 15 years!

 “I enjoy reading your insights and articles every time. One particular one that I read last week was on credit cards. You are very right in questioning why membership fees are so high compared to the US.

“It is in this regard that I would like to ask if it were possible to post a follow up on another topic that just hit me when I got my online statement from Citibank.

“They just suddenly started charging the customers for every excess payment done to your credit card over the above limit of two transactions. Each excess transaction is charged P40. These are usually indicated in the statement as PAYMENT PROCESSING FEE PHILIPPINES PH.

“After I tried complaining to through their customer care, they just said that it was stated in the statement they sent out each month that they would be doing this. They said that this was included at the back for other fees. I subscribe to the online paperless statement and I only found out after I saw those charges.

“Anyway, why should we be charged for paying for something we owe them and where they are earning a lot from the transactions already?”

“Citibank management and staff may have a lot on their plates these days with all the reports about big losses and job cuts. However, they should take time and attend to complaints of existing clients or else suffer their permanent loss which would definitely precipitate the early demise of this once proud giant of a bank.”

Update on Philippine Collegiate Champions League

Collegiate teams participating in 27 formally organized leagues nationwide are now busy planning for the forthcoming basketball season that normally starts early July. Try-outs are ongoing to replace players who graduated or who have reached the maximum playing years in their respective schools and leagues.

Before completely closing the books on the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Championship games and relegate to history the winners, losers, heroes, could-have-been heroes, bloopers, highlights and sidelights, the following queries from readers are being clarified:

On total amount of prize awards. For 2008 games, the total amount of prize awards distributed to the Final Four teams and nine regional champions was P1,907,000.00. This is the biggest prize awards in Philippine collegiate competitions.

Prizes were in the form of scholarship grants, athletic items, team and individual trophies/medals, gift items/certificates and cash. The major prize donors were FilOil Flying V, personal funds of M.V. Pangilinan, KFC and Molten.

Winners of the FilOil Flying V scholarship grants are DLSU – P500,000.00; Ateneo – P200,000.00; Letran – P100,000.00; and San Beda – P50,000.

Apart from the schools, the following individuals were awarded special prizes: a) team members of Final Four: DLSU champion team – P400,000.00; Ateneo – P200,000.00; Letran –P100,000.00; and San Beda –P50,000.00; J.V. Casio (Most Valuable Player) – P25,000.00 plus KFC special prize & trophy; Mythical team members (J.V. Casio, R. Meirhofer, R. Al-Husseini, R.J. Jazul & N. Baclao) – P5,000.00 each plus special KFC prize & individual medals; Best Coach – F. Pumaren – P15,000.00 plus trophy; and Best Performing Referee - D. Barbacena – P15.000.00 plus trophy.

DLSU participation in the Universiade Games at Serbia. The basketball event is scheduled on July 1-12, 2009, and is limited in number of teams with priority given to those with previous record of participation. The participation deposit in the amount of $5,000.00 was remitted to impress on the organizers that the Philippines is serious in sending a representative.

Noli Eala, SBP Executive Director, confirmed that SBP has obtained sponsorship commitment to fund the participation of the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Champion, De La Salle University Green Archers, in the Universiade Games. Jose “Junjun” Capistrano, Jr., the local contact person of FISU and SBP Board member, has been in communication with organizers regarding Philippine participation. With the remittance of the participation deposit requirement, he expects clarification within the next few days.

The members of the UAAP Board through its president, Dr. Sergio Cao of U.P., have also been formally appraised of the nomination of the Green Archers to represent the Philippine in this prestigious event.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25^th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makatare i City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.