Consumer Rights & Responsibilities

Taken from the pamphlet printed and distributed by National Consumer Affairs
Council (NCAC)

THE EIGHT (8) BASIC CONSUMER RIGHTS

1. THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS

: which guarantee survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care,

education and sanitation.

You may look forward to:

the availability of basic and prime commodities to consumers at affordable

prices and of good quality.

2. THE RIGHT TO SAFETY

The right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of

services that are hazardous to health and life.

You may look forward to:

 Manufacturers of consumer products to undertake extensive safety

and performance testing before selling their products in the market.
 Labels which contain the proper information as regards the product, its
use and how to operate it, if the need arises, and also precautions or
warning signs.

3. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION

The right to be protected against fraudulent/dishonest or misleading

advertising/labelling/promotion and the right to be given the facts and
information needed to make an informed choice.

You may look forward to:

Complete information about the product to be purchased, including its use,

ingredients/chemical contents, precautions, if any, limitations and expiry
date.

4. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

The right to choose products at competitive prices with an assurance of
satisfactory quality.

You may look forward to:

A wide array of goods and services which are offered in the market with
diverse brands, sizes, shapes and colors with differences in the price, quality
and use.

5. THE RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION

The right to express consumer interests in the making and execution of

government policies.

You may look forward to:

Legislators would propose laws that would ensure that consumers have the
chance to live a better life by getting the best value for their hard-earned
peso.

6. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS

The right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or

unsatisfactory services.

You may look forward to:

Manufacturers/storeowners would replace defective goods pursuant to the

provision "No Return, No Exchange" provided in the DTI's Implementing
Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7349, otherwise known as the
Consumer Act of the Philippines.

7. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION

The right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed

consumer.

You may look forward to:

 The three sectors of society: business, government and consumer

would embark on an information campaign through tri-media on
consumer related issues.
 A series of seminars, conferences, fora, training, and public hearings
for the welfare of the consumers.
  Consumer education being integrated in the school curriculum from
elementary to secondary levels as mandated by R.A. 7394 also known
as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
 The Consumer Empowerment Seminar organized bu the NCAC

8. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

The right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor
dangerous, and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.

You may look forward to:

 The government exerting an iron hand regarding the alarming increase

in the degradation of the environment, especially forests, dying
wildlife, depleted land fill space and environmental contamination to
prevent further damage.
 Constant monitoring of our seas, coral reefs, forest, and waste
disposal practices of factories to check if there is a violation of the laws
on environmental protection.

THE FIVE (5) CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. CRITICAL AWARENESS

The responsibility to be more alert and questioning about the use and the
price and quality of goods and services we use.

2. ACTION

The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair
deal. Remember that as long as we remain passive consumers, we will
continue to be exploited.

3. SOCIAL CONCERN

The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other

citizens, especially the poor, exploited, disadvantaged or powerless groups,
whether in the local, national or international community.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our
consumption. We should recognize our individual and social responsibility to
conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.

5. SOLIDARITY

The responsibility to organize together as consumers to develop the strength

and influence to promote and protect our interests.

HOW ASSERT & PRACTICE YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS

1. The Right to Basic Needs

 Prioritize your needs.

 Look for quality, not quantity.
 Be quality conscious, not brand conscious.
 Avoid panic-buying
 In times of crises or calamity, be vigilant in ensuring that basic
commodities are available in the market.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 Keep in mind that the most expensive products in the market may
not necessarily be the best in quality.
 Be vigilant in ensuring your access to a wide assortment of
competitively-priced goods or services.
 Ensure also that in times of crises, the prices of commodities do not
increase exorbitantly.

2. The Right to Safety

 If you have sensitivity to a certain ingredient, it would be wise to

read all labels and product circulars before using a certain product.
 If you have any doubts about a product's effectiveness, ask for a
professional consultant or person who knows how the product
works.
 Keep certain products out of reach of young children. Watch out for
special warnings on the label such as, "NOT SUITED FOR CHILDREN
BELOW FOUR (4) YEARS OLD" or "POISON: FOR EXTERNAL USE
ONLY," etc.
 Before purchase, especially in cases where only large containers are
available, ask for a sampler or tester of the product.
  Be on guard regarding hazardous products. Scan newspapers
regularly for news on this topic.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 If no one can answer your questions satisfactorily, try to contact the

manufacturer and give the details needed in determining the
product easily, such as code/lot/batch numbers and date of
purchase for easy product identification.
 If you have doubts about the safety or proper performance of a
product, return to the store with your official receipt. Make sure to
write down all your questions and concerns.

3. Right to Information

 Before purchase, read the label carefully to determine its use,

content (chemical ingredients), number of pieces, proper handling,
etc.
 Before signing waivers, warranties or guarantees, credit items or
service contracts, it is important to read and understand all
provisions in the document, especially the fine print.
 Read newspapers, buying guides, magazines before purchasing a
product. Consult with friends who have purchased a similar product.
 If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to write the
company for information.
 Know the name and address of the manufacturer/distributor in case
the need arises.

IF YOU'RE NOT SATISFIED:

 Contact the manufacturer and/or distributor directly which will be in

the best position to give you detailed information.

4. The Right to Choose

 Specify what you really want or need. The biggest size may be
cheaper, but it may not cater to your individual needs.
 Canvass for prices of similar products before purchase.
 Read manuals or instructions carefully to thoroughly compare one
product from another.
 Use the available product testers
 Be wary of special offers like BUY 1 TAKE 1. Compare them to the
regularly priced items to be sure you're not actually paying for the
said free item.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 Get in touch with store owner/manufacturer to inquire more about the

product.
  If it's regarding a service, write the manager of the company and give
helpful suggestions to improve their service.

5. Right to Representation

 Read newspapers, bulletin boards in provate and government offices,

especially in your locality for announcements of public hearings.
 Take time to attend public hearings or even meetings conducted in your
area regarding consumer issues.
 Be aware of how consumer laws and regulations are being
implemented in your locality.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 Write your Barangay Chairman, especially if the issue concerns your

locality. He will be in a position to recommend your proposal to the
National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) or to the concerned
government agency.
 Participate in a consumer group because there is strength in numbers;
your collective appeal will be heard and heeded better.
 Write the Executive Director of the NCAC and submit your written
position on issues of national importance, so that consumers, through
NCAC, can express their concerns and recommendations to policy
makers.
 Coordinate with a legitimate and accredited consumer organization
such as NACI in your area.

6. Right to Redress

 If you bought a defective product, return to the store where you bought
the item and look for the Consumer Welfare Desk.
 Request a replacement, refund or rapair of the product.
 If they management does not act on your complaint, contact the
ConsumerNet Secretariat at BTRCP Office 2nd Flr Trade and Industry
Building, 361 Sen. Gil. Puyat Ave., Makati.
 Keep documents such as official receipts and complaint letters for
reference.
 Attend the mediation conference.
 If your complaint is still not acted upon, report it to the NCAC.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 If mediation fails, arbitration follows. The process is similar to that of a

regular court hearing. You will be duly informed of the development of
your case.
  On the first day of the hearing, the Consumer Arbitration Officer
(CAO) shall talk to the parties. If no settlement is reached, a formal
hearing will be conducted. The CAO shall resolve the complaint after
formal hearing. The decision of the CAO is final and executory unless
appealed within 15 days from receipt of such order.

7. Right to Consumer Education

 Scan newspapers, magazines and other pertinent literature for articles

which may educate consumers on how to get the best value for their
money.
 Involve yourself in public hearings or meetings conducted in your area
regarding cunsumer issues.
 Participate in seminars, conferences and fora conducted by the NCAC,
other government agencies, consumer groups and business/industry
sector regarding facts about consumer products, new concepts and
development, etc.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 Write a letter to consumer columnists to share your opinions and

concerns
 Inquire about consumer education activities in schools.
 Inform government officials in writing on issues or legislation you
think will affect you greatly as a consumer.

8. Right to a Healthy Environment

 Do your share to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE waste products.

 Be aware of the kind and extent of pollution occurring in your area.

IF YOU'RE UNSATISFIED:

 Write local officials and consumer organizations regarding illegal

activity, such as illegal logging, dynamite fishing, etc. being
committed in your area.
 Organize an earth-friendly group in your area. Ensure that the
surroundings are clean and the air and water are safe from
pollution. Encourage proper waste disposal, segregation and
recycling.
 Get in touch with the nearest office of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in your area.
ABOUT DTI
PROSPERITY PLAN FOR ALL: PLAN 2022

Anchored on the Values of Passion, Integrity, Creativity, Competence, Synergy, and

Love of Country, and our Mission as the government's main economic catalyst in
Enabling innovative, competitive, job-generating, inclusive business, and Empowering
consumers. These we do in order to achieve our Vision 2022 of "A more inclusive and
prosperous Philippines with employment and income opportunities for all."

Mandate

The DTI is responsible for realizing the country's goal of globally competitive and
innovative industry and services sector that contribute to inclusive growth and
employment generation.

Pursuant to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, we shall endeavor to

reduce inequality and poverty by expanding economic opportunities in industry and
services, and by increasing the access particularly of micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives and overseas Filipinos (OFs) to these opportunities.
To attain these sector outcomes by 2022, we need to:

1. Increase local and foreign direct investments

2. Increase competitiveness, innovativeness and resilience of industries and
services
3. Improve access to finance, to production networks, and to markets
4. Enhance productivity, efficiency, and resilience
5. Ensure consumer access to safe and quality goods and services

These we accomplish through six major programs:

Exports and Investment Development Program

Industry Development Program
SME Development Program
Consumer Protection Program
Consumer Education and Advocacy Program
Good Governance Program

We commit to effect good governance by delivering public service that is predictable,

participatory, accountable, efficient, transparent, and honest.

History

The DTI had its beginnings on 23 June 1898 when President Emilio F. Aguinaldo
formed four government agencies, namely the Departments of Navy, Commerce,
Agriculture, and Manufacturing.
On 06 September 1901, the Philippine Commission established the Department of
Commerce (and Police). After World War II, President Manuel A. Roxas issued
Executive Order (EO) 94 on 04 October 1947, creating the Department of Commerce
and Industry (DCI). Cornelio Balmaceda, a much sought-after Economics Professor and
Bureau of Commerce (BOC) Director, was appointed Acting Secretary of the newly
created Department of Commerce and Industry.

Prior to EO 94, the Bureau of Commerce was tasked to develop and promote the trade
and industry of the country under the overall supervision of the Department of
Agriculture and Commerce (Act 4007 on 05 December 1932 by the Philippine
Legislature).

After 25 years, by 1972, DCI had grown into a big organization with 10 regular bureaus
and 22 agencies under its direct supervision. The DCI was mandated to promote,
develop, expand, regulate, and control foreign and domestic trade, industry, and
tourism.

To have closer supervision and ensure more effective delivery of services, President
Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree (PD) 189 on 11 May 1973, creating the
Department of Tourism to handle all tourism-related matters.

A year later, 21 June 1974, Marcos issued PD 488 creating the Department of Industry
whose principal function was to promote and enhance the growth of the existing and
thriving industries in the country.

On 02 June 1975, the Department of Trade was created under PD 721 to pursue efforts
of the government toward strengthening socio-economic development of the country,
particularly in the area of commercial activities. A key strategy of the new department
was vigorous export promotion to generate much needed foreign exchange (forex). A
Bureau of Foreign Trade was also established to push for domestic trade and marketing
programs.

In the early 80s, the national economic development goal of the Marcos government
required the need to hew industrial promotion efforts with the expansion of Philippine
trade overseas. This resulted in the creation on 27 July 1981 of the Ministry of Trade
and Industry, which took over the functions of the subsequently abolished Departments
of Trade and of Industry.

Drastic changes followed after the People Power Revolution. President Corazon C.
Aquino signed on 27 February 1987 EO 133, reorganizing the Ministry of Trade and
Industry and renaming it the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In 2006, Secretary Peter B. Favila issued a Department Order officially declaring every
27 July of each year, the date and month the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of
Industry was first merged, as the DTI anniversary.
 he Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (Filipino: Kagawaran ng Kalakalan at Industriya,
abbreviated as DTI) is the executive department of the Philippine Government tasked as the main
economic catalyst that enables innovative, competitive, job generating, inclusive business, and
empowers consumers. It acts as catalyst for intensified private sector activity in order to accelerate
and sustain economic growth through comprehensive industrial growth strategy, progressive and
socially responsible trade liberalizationand deregulation programs and policymaking designed for the
expansion and diversification of Philippine trade - both domestic and foreign.
Department Order No. 19-18, s. 2019, laid out the organizational structure of the Department into the
following functional groups: Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG); Consumer Protection
Group (CPG); Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG); Management Services
Group (MSG); Regional Operations Group (ROG); and the Trade Promotions Group (TPG).
Its hierarchical organization include 27 foreign trade service posts, 17 regional offices (including
Negros Island Region), 87 provincial/city/area offices, 12 bureaus, 4 attached agencies, 7 attached
corporations, and 8 services offices.
The department is headed by a Secretary (equivalent to Minister) and assisted by Undersecretaries
(equivalent to Deputy Minister) which take charge of certain sub-department each, and Assistant
Secretaries which serve as specialized assistants of the Secretary.

Contents

 1History
o 1.1Department of Commerce and Police
o 1.2Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI)
 2Organizational structure
 3List of the Secretaries of Trade and Industry
 4Attached Agencies and Corporations
 5See also
 6References
 7External links

History[edit]
Department of Commerce and Police[edit]
On September 6, 1901, the Philippine Commission established the Department of Commerce (and
Police) of the Insular Government. William Cameron Forbes future Governor-General of the
Philippines served as its commissioner from 1904 through 1908.

Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI)[edit]

After World War II, President Manuel Roxas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 94 on October 4, 1947
creating the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI). Cornelio Balmaceda, a much sought-
after professor of economics and director of the Bureau of Commerce (BOC), was appointed acting
secretary of the newly created Department of Commerce and Industry.
Prior to EO 94, the Bureau of Commerce was tasked to develop and promote the country's trade and
industry, under the overall supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, as
stipulated by Act 4007 by the Philippine Legislature, enacted on December 5, 1932.
By 1972, the DCI had grown into a big organization with 10 regular bureaus and 22 agencies under
its direct supervision. The DCI was mandated to promote, develop, expand, regulate and control of
foreign and domestic trade and industry, as well as tourism.
To have closer supervision and to ensure more effective delivery of services, President Ferdinand E.
Marcos issued Presidential Decree (PD) 189 on May 11, 1973 creating the Department of Tourism
to handle all tourism-related matters. A year later on June 21, 1974, Marcos issued PD 488 creating
the Department of Industry whose principal function was to promote and enhance the growth of the
country's existing and thriving industries.
On June 2, 1975, the Department of Trade was created under PD 721 to pursue efforts of the
government toward strengthening the country's socio-economic development, particularly in the area
of commercial activities. A key strategy of the new department was vigorous export promotion to
generate much needed foreign exchange. A Bureau of Foreign Trade was also particularly
established to push for domestic trade and marketing programs.
In the early 1980s, thi's goal of national economic development required the need to hew industrial
promotion efforts with the expansion of Philippine trade overseas. This resulted in the creation of the
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) on July 27, 1981, which took over the functions of the
subsequently abolished Departments of Trade and of Industry.
Drastic changes followed after the 1986 EDSA Revolution. President Corazon Aquino signed
Executive Order No. 133 on February 27, 1987 effectively reorganizing the Ministry of Trade and
Industry and renaming it the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This was further strengthened
by the issuance of Executive Order 292 (Administrative Code of 1987). Other latter legislations have
also amended its functions and structures.

Organizational structure[edit]
The Department is headed by the Secretary of Trade and Industry (Philippines) with the following six
undersecretaries and assistant secretaries:

 Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business Group

 Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group
 Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group
 Undersecretary for Management Services Group
 Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group
 Undersecretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group
 Assistant Secretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business Group
 Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection Group
 Assistant Secretaries for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group
 Assistant Secretary for Management Services Group
 Assistant Secretaries for Regional Operations Group
 Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investments Promotion Group

List of the Secretaries of Trade and Industry[edit]

Main article: Secretary of Trade and Industry (Philippines)

Attached Agencies and Corporations[edit]

The following are attached to the Department of Trade and Industry:
 Board of Investments (BOI)
 Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM)
 Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP)
 Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
 Design Center of the Philippines (DCP)
 Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)
 Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
 National Development Company (NDC)
 Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
 Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC)
 Philippine Pharma Procurement Incorporated (PPPI)
 Small Business Corporation (SB Corp)
 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Attached agencies are actually sub-agencies of any national departments of the national
government organization in the Philippines in which creation is established by special laws and its
operation is independent of its mother unit. The mother unit only serves as supervisory on these
special attached agencies.
Mission / Vision
Vision
We are the central authority in the Philippine construction industry in the forefront of construction industry policy and program

formulation, development and implementation.

Mission
Spearhead initiatives for the growth of the construction Industry, through regulation, human resource capacity building, dispute

resolution and domestic and overseas program development.

Overview
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) was established in June 2019 by the
incorporation of the Department of Economic Development (EDD) into the Department of Trade and
Industry (the dti).
The mission of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is to promote structural
transformation, towards a dynamic industrial and globally competitive economy; provide a
predictable, competitive, equitable and socially responsible environment, conducive to investment,
trade and enterprise development; broaden participation in the economy to strengthen economic
development; and continually improve the skills and capabilities of the dtic to effectively deliver on its
mandate and respond to the needs of South Africa's economic citizens.
The Department's strategic objectives are to: facilitate transformation of the economy to promote
industrial development, investment, competitiveness and employment creation; build mutually
beneficial regional and global relations to advance South Africa's trade, industrial policy and
economic development objectives; facilitate broad-based economic participation through targeted
interventions to achieve more inclusive growth; create a fair regulatory environment that enables
investment, trade and enterprise development in an equitable and socially responsible manner; and
promote a professional, ethical, dynamic, competitive and customer-focused working environment
that ensures effective and efficient service delivery.
Product Certification Schemes

Part of the Bureau of Philippine Standards’ (BPS) mandate, as provided in the

Consumer Act of the Philippines, is to protect consumers against hazards to health and
safety as well as to assure the public of the consistency of standardized products in the
market. To carry out this duty, the Bureau provides for the standardization and
certification of products, both locally manufactured and imported, giving the consumers
the access to quality and safety products conforming to the relevant Philippine National
Standards (PNS).

Currently, the BPS implements two (2) Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the
Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme
and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme. Products covered by
the mandatory certification, whether locally manufactured or imported, are not allowed
to be distributed in the Philippine market without the necessary PS or ICC marks.

The PS Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark License is granted to either local or
foreign manufacturer whose factory and product have successfully complied with the
requirements of the PNS ISO 9001 and the relevant product standard/s, respectively.
Meanwhile, the ICC Certificate is issued to an importer whose imported products have
shown conformance to relevant standards through inspection, verification, and product
testing by the BPS Recognized Testing Laboratories.

The PS Mark and ICC Sticker affixed to the products serve as the consumer’s
assurance that the products they purchase are certified by the BPS.

At present, there are eighty-six (86) products and systems covered under the BPS’
Mandatory Product Certification Schemes. They are classified into three (3) product
groups, namely, Electrical and Electronic Products, Mechanical/Building & Construction
Materials, and Chemical & Other Consumer Products and Systems.