Kodak recall

Q. A letter sender from San Pablo City writes: "I bought a van in February of this year. I decided to get a brand new vehicle instead of a second-hand one because I was expecting that I wouldn’t encounter any difficulties about car breakdowns and the like. However, after two days of driving my brand new van, there was an unnecessary noise every time I used it. It was really bothersome so I brought it back to the casa.

"Two weeks after it was repaired, my van started emitting excessive black smoke. I again brought it to the casa. Upon picking up the van, the people at the casa said the problem was solved.

"However, the van continued to emit black smoke. I was even given a warning by the police for smoke belching. I brought the van back to the casa and they promised to replace the muffler system.

"Another two weeks and the problem recurred. I am so tired of going back and forth to the casa. In fairness to the staff, they have been accommodating my requests. However, I feel bad that I have to be inconvenienced by a brand new van. Can I ask for a replacement?"

A .You definitely can ask for a replacement. The Consumer Act states that if a product is defective and is not repaired, the buyer may demand for any of the following:

• replacement of the product by another of the same kind;

• reimbursement of the amount paid; or

• proportionate price reduction

We suggest you go back to the casa and state your case. They should be willing to replace your van with another unit. If they refuse to do so, contact the nearest DTI office and file a complaint.

Q. Macario Silva of Makati City came to the DTI office on Sept. 16, 2002 and brought our attention to the recall of Kodak cameras in the US. He said he learned about this recall through the Kodak website. Accordingly, the company is conducting a voluntary recall of the Kodak DC5000 zoom digital camera. This model is also being sold here in the country. Mr. Silva wanted to know if Kodak Phils. is also doing something about the recall.

A. Kodak Phils. is implementing the recall of this particular camera. The company came out with a print advertisement in one newspaper last Sept. 18.

Kodak Phils. has also offered to arrange a free inspection and repair of the camera, if necessary.

Consumers should be as vigilant and alert as Mr. Silva. A well-informed consumer is an empowered buyer.

We also laud the quick response of Kodak Phils. in implementing the same recall as their US-based mother company. All companies should be as zealous as Kodak in protecting their brand name.

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