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CONSUMER MUST PROTECT EACH OTHER
The Philippine Star To put in proper perspective, everything that we are experiencing today is due to record prices of global commodities, from food to metals to oil. This in turn is driven by the sick U.S. dollar, which unfortunately is coupled to grains, gold and fuel prices. There is little that we can do at the moment to insulate ourselves from the price hikes. The country, after all, is not self-sufficient and needs to import rice for food, grains for bread, poultry and hog feed components, and of course, oil to transport goods and service. What is left within our control though is consumer welfare, something that needs to be vigilantly protected during times like this. The recent price hikes in basic commodities is spawning artificial shortages – driven in many instances by consumers who are indulging in panic-buying, and on the other hand, by greedy traders who see an opportunity to control prices and gain windfall profits. Under control It is during these times that relevant government agencies need to respond with swiftness and effective measures to keep things under control. The National Food Authority, for example, must make it a point to strengthen its distribution system and make available the highly subsidized P18.25-per-kilo rice to those who really need it. On the other hand, unscrupulous traders who seize on prices crises like what is happening in rice – and which looks to be spreading to other trades – should be stopped – at all cost. The President has stepped in, rightly so, to demand swift action from law enforcement agencies and LGUs in zeroing in on hoarders or traders who cheat on the people. During times of runaway inflation, artificial shortages are like a kiss of death to the political leadership. And Gloria is only too aware of this. Cheating on quality Consumers beware! With the projected shortage or increase in prices of basic food products, traders often resort to dirty tricks to rake in bigger profits even if at the expense of the unsuspecting consumers who are often lured by cheaper but substandard or unhealthy merchandise. In the current rice supply crisis, there have been many reports of rice retailers selling more expensive varieties mixed with cheaper ones. Well at least in this case there is no real health risk here. But what if the case involves selling diseased or double dead meat disguised as fresh market-quality products? Or expired canned goods with expiry dates conveniently erased or altered? Yes, they can be cheaper, but deadlier, too. This is one aspect that the Trade and Industry Department, Bureau of Food and Drug, Health Department, law enforcement and other agencies must be more conscious of and in a sustained manner. Checking on the quality of goods sold to consumers must be a routine undertaking, not a one shot deal or only as demanded by sensational, media-hyped cases. We have very good and strict laws on consumer rights and consumer protection. And consumers really have not much to worry about – save for its enforcement. Consumers must protect themselves Other than government support and action, the other aspect of consumer protection is active, well-informed consumers who are alert and aggressive enough to protect their rights. If consumers are not well informed of their rights and refuse to take action, then abusive traders would encounter less to no resistance in plying their trades. Consumers must remember that laws and regulations have been crafted to protect them from abuse and illegal practices, and that there are government agencies and private groups advocating and supporting the cause of consumers. The DTI is the lead agency when it comes to consumer issues and concerns, and it would be wise to look up the contact numbers of the DTI for consumer disputes involving the trade of all types of merchandise from food to appliances to clothing and so on. RA 7394, or the Consumer Act of the In addition, RA 7394 also led to the creation of National Consumer Affairs Council “to improve the management, coordination and effectiveness of consumer programs. The Council is composed of specific government and non-government agencies and representatives from consumer organizations and the business/industry sector.” Regional and provincial offices of the DTI likewise monitor regularly the prices of basic food and non-food necessities and other consumer issues or matters. A guarantee of sufficient and effective consumer protection is not only good governance, but an active and empowered consumer as well. Consumers must learn not only to protect themselves but each other, as well. It will come in handy at a time like this. FilOil Flying V Pre-season tournament Congratulations to FilOil Flying V Sports headed by Raffy Villavicencio and ably assisted by sportsman Virgil Villavicencio and marketing man, David Dualan for a well-attended opening ceremony of the above tournament. Although billed as pre-season, the teams that are participating in the tournament are geared for competitive games. Their respective coaching staffs are aware of the importance of approaching all the games in the right frame of mind. The “will to win” and “playing your best” at all times are traits that must be inculcated right from the start particularly for the rookies as the teams build up their cohesion in preparation for the regular season. This is the importance of the FilOil Flying V Pre-season games. And we have to thank the Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center,
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