DTI reminds retailers: GCs should not expire

CEBU, Philippines - Gift certificates are among the top presents that people would want to receive this Christmas.

But before using them, consumers should know the policies that govern the issuance, use and redemption of gift checks or vouchers. They, too, must know their rights.

The Department of Trade and Industry said gift certificates that people buy from retailers and other shops must not have expiration dates.

“All gift checks, certificates and cards with no expiry dates shall be redeemable until used up by the bearer,” it said.

According to DTI’s Department Administrative Order No. 10-04, these monetary instruments are used to buy consumer goods and services.

Gift checks that expire are those that retailers give to consumers as part of an award, loyalty or promotional program.

In an interview, Zaide Bation, DTI Cebu’s consumer welfare chief, said reward checks are "good as cash" but they cannot be converted into cash.

She likewise noted that senior citizens and persons with disabilities could still gain their 20 percent special discount in availing select goods and services using the GC.

 The markdown, she pointed out, should be subtracted first from the total of the purchased article before it is charged to the check.

If a certain item is offered with discount by the retailer, the chief clarified that only one of the two discount privileges will be imposed.

The trade agency started to prohibit retailers from putting expiry dates on sold GCs in 2012.

It, however, said that retail stores may refuse to honor the check if it is lost, mutilated or defaced by the holder. — (FREEMAN)