DTI to consumers: Know your rights

CEBU, Philippines -  Knowing the rights as consumers is as important as doing the counterpart responsibilities to become more empowered and knowledgeable buyers, the Department of Trade and Industry region 7 pointed out.

The DTI is constantly doing advocacies to inform the consumers of their rights when buying products to avoid mistakes and save money, Information Officer Jojie Villamor said during the Association of Government Information Officers forum yesterday. 

While buyers have the right to complain on retailers’ abuse or unfair trade practices, they also have a big responsibility to be always cautious in using products and acquiring services, Villamor said.

They should also know what should and should not be expected from stores, she added.

“When you complain, you need evidences such as receipts and invoices,” she said. “Any proof should be attached to the complaint.”

The consumers also have a social responsibility to be aware of the effects of their complaints to other people.

Moreover, consumers are expected to acquire a clean environment but it is also their duty to maintain and conserve its resources.

Shortchanging

Meanwhile, Villamor mentioned shortchanging and warranty problems as two of the most common complaints made by consumers.

She said it is a right to demand for complete and exact change especially when buying at department and grocery stores where some cashiers offer candies in exchange for centavos.

“Candy is not a legal tender,” she stressed. “You have the right not to receive it and instead demand for the money.”

She advised that when a consumer encounters a problem, treated unfairly or things go wrong during shopping, he should never hesitate to settle it with the establishment: point out the error and see if it works.

And if not, she further said, the person can raise the complaint to the department for consumer welfare advice.

Melchor Villacorta, 24, and Bea Mariz Tocle, 19, shared to The FREEMAN their experience when store cashiers usually give them incomplete change at times when centavo coins are scarce.

“Di man gud ko sigurado kung naa bay law makareklamo diay,” Tocle shared. “Modawat na man lang sab ko kay gamay ra man og kantidad.” (I am not aware if there is a law against it, so I just accept it anyway it’s just a small amount.)

The world celebrates Consumer Rights Day every 15th of March.

Villamor added that DTI will do more Small and Medium Enterprise  Roving Academy seminars for small entrepreneurs. The sessions will be done in the four provinces in Central Visayas: Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.  (FREEMAN)