Recalled tires

Q. Ruben Buenaventura of Paranaque Cit writes: "Last Jan. 16, 2003, while having a general check-up of my Ford Explorer Sport Trac at Ford Makati, I was informed by their service department that Firestone Wilderness tires have been recalled and have been replaced by Ford with another brand because of accidents involving the said tire brand. Upon hearing this, I immediately called the attention of their warranty department on the matter.

"I was told that the cut-off date for tire replacement was last Dec. 20, 2002. If this is the case, how come nobody informed me that I was supposed to have them changed and that there was such a cut-off period? I even had my periodic maintenance at Ford EDSA where my tires were rotated last Nov. 21, 2002.

"Can I still demand for a replacement for these Firestone Wilderness tires even after the cut-off period?"

A. Yes, you can still demand for a replacement even after the cut-off period.

Chapter V, Rule III, Sections 1 and 2 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) states that suppliers "shall be jointly liable for imperfections in quality of consumer products." Product imperfections are those that render the products unfit or inadequate for the purpose, use, or consumption for which they are designed or intended.

Should the supplier fail to correct the imperfection of a consumer product, the consumer may demand any of the following remedies:

• replacement of the product by another of the same kind and of the same state of use;

• immediate reimbursement of the amount paid; or

• proportionate reduction in the price of the product.

Nestor Alvarez of Cabanatuan City writes: "Through your Consumer Voice column, I would like to commend assistant manager Prima Abu of the National Bookstore Superbranch Araneta Center for entertaining and immediately responding to my complaint on a defective pencil sharpener that I bought from that branch last November.

"A month after my purchase, I requested for a replacement of the product since I was not satisfied with its performance. It seems there was really something wrong with the way the product was manufactured for it took me three replacements before I decided that I had had enough of it.

"While I was explaining my ordeal to Ms. Abu, she listen attentively and patiently and carefully took note of my complaint. I did not detect any hint of suspicion from her that I was just making up a story. Without much ado, she just asked me to select any item that I liked in the store with the same price, as a replacement of the product.

"After what happened, National Bookstore will remain as my favorite bookstore. After all, "laking National Bookstore ako." Congratulations to the management of National Bookstore, Inc. for having an officer who knows public relations by heart. Again, thank you very much, Ms. Abu.

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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