DTI proposed highest fine for erring traders (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) submitted to the House of Representatives the proposed amendments in the Consumers Act of the Philippines.
The DTI would like to expand the law with the purpose of increasing the protection of the rights of the consumers. Under the proposed amendments in the Consumers Act, the highest penalty to be imposed on violators will be increased to P10M from P300,000.
The DTI believes that this will improve the quality of the goods and services that will be made available to consumers.
“What we want to achieve is to increase the amount of the fine, hopefully by increasing the amount of the fine, hardware stores will now be compliant right from the start, they will not be left behind in the quality of their goods,” DTI Usec. Vic Dimagiba said in an interview.
The DTI will also be given powers over e-commerce or online shopping businesses.
Under the amendments on the Consumer Act, the DTI can shut down the online shops who break the rules and regulations of the proposed law.
Amendments have also been made by the DTI on the use of mass media to advertise which include the internet, mobile phones and the like.
The DTI will also stiffen the punishment for those who caught selling substandard and low quality construction materials. Likewise, the DTI will immediately order the closure of the hardware stores that are caught in addition to the fine.
The amendments by the DTI are based on the 8 consumers rights, including the right to basic needs, choose, representation, redress,consumer education, safety, healthy environment and information.
Meanwhile, the DTI is going to launch a new strategy for price monitoring in the market. DTI will inspect the supermarkets nationwide to make sure that they are compliant to the suggested retail price (SRP).
“I think it’s a good strategy telling the supermarkets owners that were serious to see the prices are within the SRP,” Dimagiba said.
Last year only the big supermarkets were inspected by the DTI. Since Feb. 27, DTI have inspected almost 50% of the supermarkets in Metro Manila. (Mon Jocson / UNTV News)