PLANNING a business concept and choosing a catchy name are among the basic things to consider in engaging in industry or providing a service. A registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one step where an applicant is assured of the sole right to use the registered business name.
However, please note that there are other government agencies involved in registering a business or enterprise. For public transportation, an applicant for a permit to operate a public utility vehicle must go to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Bureau (LTFRB) and an applicant who wish to sell farm supplied such as fertilizers and pest repellents must avail a permit from the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA).
For trade permit or registration for Business Permit, one can go to any DTI provincial offices or Negosyo Centers and fill up the application forms provided. DTI will provide the forms for you. Pay the necessary fees applicable for your business and wait for few minutes for your DTI business permit or DTI business certificate. You can also authorize someone to facilitate the processing of your business name on your behalf however, an authorization letter must be shown by the representative with his or her valid IDs.
Recently, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez who graced the launching of Project Execution Team (ET) said that ensuring fair and open competition as businesses require a level-playing field to innovate and grow.
DTI’s Project ET according to Lopez aims to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of Fair Trade Laws, as managed by DTI’s Consumer Protection Group (CPG), with support from Regional Operations Group (ROG), Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and Bureau of Consumer Protection Group (BCPG) with support with support from the Regional Operations Group (ROG)
The enactment of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), the Product Standards Law (RA 4109) and other Fair Trade Laws to establish a standard of conduct for businesses and industries aligns with the President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order to safeguard the security, public order and safety of Filipinos Lopez added.
Project ET engages professional organization to strengthen consumer redress mechanisms and Sec. Lopez noted that the strict enforcement of laws will help address current issues affecting Filipino consumers, including price surges and irregularities in price commodities, as well as fraudulent, deceptive and manipulative schemes in buying products or services.
As of July 2017, DTI reported that a total of 36,274 alleged violative products were seized or confiscated amounting to almost P2.1 Million.
Most of these products were construction materials, electrical supplies and appliances, sanitary wares and lighters. The Project ET will promote active compliance with various trade and industry laws of erring business establishments, as well as increase consumer awareness on trade malpractices.
Sec. Lopez strongly urged consumers to be vigilant saying that we need to do more than our share to make the Philippine consumer environment a more productive and safer place for the growth of the economy. Further, Lopez added that consumers must be alert an on-guard against excessive pricing, wrong labeling, incorrect weight and measure and substandard or poor quality products and services.
For issues and concerns about Telephone rates, cellphones, TV and radio broadcast, the appropriate agency to call is the National Telecommunications Commission. For Adulterated livestock feeds, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and biologics including pet animals, go to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
For processed and unprocessed meat and dressed chicken, the National Meat Inspection Service should be able to provide answers and for fruits and vegetables, go to the Bureau of Plant Industry. The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas is the appropriate agency for issues on banks, non-bank financial institutions, pawnshops, and credit cards.
For sugar quality and price, go to the Sugar Regulatory Administration, for the quality and price of the liquefied petroleum gas and liquid fuels, refer the matter to the Oil Industry Management Bureau and the National Electrification Administration for electricity.