TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez signed on Friday, June 21, 2019, Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 19-09, Series of 2019, which mandates the translation of signages, billboards, advertisements, brochures, flyers, notices, advisories, labels, price tags/lists, menus, receipts and other business marketing materials to English and/or Filipino.

The policy move was prompted by the surprise inspection conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a Chinese food park located in Las Piñas City on May 10.

“With this new DAO, we are enhancing the protection of consumers on their right to accessible information that can help them in making wise purchase decisions. Presenting information on products and services in foreign languages other than those officially recognized and used by the consumers are deemed unfair and discriminatory, thus, inimical to their interest,” said Lopez.

In the DAO, the translation into English or Filipino of the marketing paraphernalia of a business must be visible, and printed and/or written legibly. The use of Filipino language in this case is not limited to Tagalog but also includes regional and provincial dialects.

To ensure its accurate translation, business establishments are now required to secure a certification from the Embassy of the country whose language is sought to be translated to, or from its accredited translator or interpreter, or any competent individual or institution duly recognized by the DTI.

Penalty

Business establishments and entities found to be violating any of the provisions of the DAO will pay a penalty ranging from P1,000 up to P300,000 depending on the capitalization and frequency of offense.

Erring businesses will likewise face the cancellation of their business name certificate that was issued by the DTI and revocation of business registration, permit, license and any other regulatory clearances upon the recommendation of the DTI to appropriate government agencies or units.

All business establishments and entities are given one month following the effectivity of the DAO to comply with the provisions of the order, which will take effect 15 days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation. (PR)