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 regaring 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.

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