DTI Iloilo says consumer bill of rights to help protect consumers

2008/03/25

DTI Iloilo says consumer bill of rights to help protect consumers

by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (25 March) -- "While there are several provisions in advancing and protecting the rights of the consumers, the President's urgent call for Congress to approve the Consumer Bill of Rights is a welcome move of the executive department of the government to protect the public," said Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena, Jr. of the Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo Office.

It will be recalled that President Arroyo renewed her call for Congress to approve the Consumer Bill of Rights to protect the public from unscrupulous traders, price manipulations and unfair trade practices.

Cadena said in a PIA interview that once the bill is enacted it would serve as a tool in strengthening consumerism making our people more conscious and they should come out stronger in asserting their rights.

"Whenever there are movement in prices of any goods that we consume, or any of the services that we avail of, the first to be affected are the public as consumers. So the measure which is being pushed by the President once enacted will complement the provisions of existing laws, the fair trade laws, including the consumer code of the Philippines," Cadena explained.

President Arroyo during her address before the 3,000 participants to the 4th Mindanao Cooperative Summit recently said that Congressional approval of the Consumer Bill of Rights will go a long way in easing the people's burden arising from high prices and unfair practices.

The President said that the government is doing everything possible to lessen the impact on consumers of the current high prices of oil and prime commodities, including rice. (PIA)

Cabatuan.com - Kasimanwa.com - Diosdado Cadena Jr.