FILE PHOTO: A cellphone device with a Subscriber Identity Module SIM card (Photoville International)
Manila, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry and National Telecommunications Commission receive various telcos-related complaints on a daily basis.
This prompted DTI and NTC to work together on a joint effort to resolve consumer grievances against the telecommunication companies.
The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement which aims to eliminate confusion and speed-up resolutions.
According to DTI Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba, the agreement allows for a clear-cut division of responsibilities between DTI and NTC.
“Basically this will settle some issues. Minsan di alam ng mga consumer, pupunta pa sa min tapos ibibigay naming sa NTC; si NTC naman pupunta bibigay samin the delineation of duties.”
(Basically this will settle some issues. Oftentimes, the consumer will come to us (DTI) and in turn, we refer them to NTC. However, NTC refers the delineation of duties back to us)
Based on the agreement, DTI shall oversee complaints regarding warranty; misleading advertisements; defective products; deceitful promos and sales practices; and other similar issues.
NTC on the other hand shall work on complaints about unsatisfactory services to subscribers; billing problems; fair use policy; subscription issues, plan application, text spams and scams; etc.
The DTI help desk office is open to subscribers from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Consumers may also contact DTI hotline number 751-33-30 or visit www.dti.gov.ph (JOAN NANO/UNTV News)