DTI forges deals to protect consumer rights

The Department of Trade and Industry has forged agreements with three big industry groups as part of efforts to protect consumers from unfair, unlawful and deceptive goods and practices.

In a ceremony on Tuesday, the DTI signed separate memoranda of understanding with the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP) and the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers (Fodo Chamber).

The MOU with ASC is meant to “institutionalize the partnership between the two agencies to address the issue on misleading advertisements and fraudulent sales promotion practices.”

“This MOU strengthens the mandate of the group. We have a common goal to protect consumers in the area of advertising. Our commitment is to improve our code of ethics and be more responsive to the needs of the consumers,” noted ASC president Clint Navales.

Under this agreement, the ASC has agreed to adopt rules and regulations that are consistent with DTI’s existing legal mandate; regulate and monitor the implementation of relevant provisions of the Consumer Act; appear as a witness in cases relating to false, deceptive and misleading advertisements and fraudulent sales promotion practices in violation of the Consumer Act; and resolve relevant disputes involving its members or stakeholders, among others.

The MOU with DSAP, on the other hand, was aimed at establishing cooperation and coordination between the two entities to protect consumers against deceptive, unfair or unlawful acts or practices, particularly in the chain distribution plan and pyramid sales schemes.

This partnership was intended to address the concerns on the prevalence of pyramid scams that have defrauded thousands of Filipinos.

Under the agreement, both parties will undertake a joint DTI-DSAP education campaign; address concerns of consumers regarding the legitimacy of direct selling firms; among others.

Meanwhile, the MOU with the Food Chamber was expected to help ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities, especially in times of calamities and other similar occurrences that disturb the pricing and supply of goods.