Businesses reminded against putting expiry dates on gift checks, cards

MANILA, Philippines – Business establishments must not put expiry dates on gift certificates and gift cards, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Friday.

“Gift certificates and gift cards from any establishment cannot and should not have an expiry date,” De Lima said.

“In this season of Christmas when our brethren are making purchases for loved ones and colleagues, this is a simple and concrete way to make sure that spending hard-earned money is not met by unsavoury and deceptive practices,” she added.

Under Administrative Order 10-04 by the Department of Trade and Industry, gift certificates/checks/cards shall be redeemable until used up by the bearer.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy who heads the Office for Competition to improve economic justice mandated by E.O N. 45 said that gift certificates were equivalent to cash and cash does not expire.

“We wish everyone a safe, Merry Christmas and happy shopping holidays,” he added.

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