Consumers urged to know their rights

AURORA VALDEZ and her daughter were dining at a fastfood chain when the food they ordered was served cold.

She asked the waiter to replace it, but the waiter said that it would take 30 minutes for them to cook a new one.

“Nikaon na lang mi kay gi gutom man mi. Pero ug wala pa ah, dili gyud to nako dawaton ba. Bahaw na man ang pagkaon gud (We were forced to eat the food because we were so hungry. If we weren’t, I won’t really take it. It was a leftover),” Valdez said.

According to DTI-10, consumers have the right to be compensated for goods and services not delivered well.

“Poor ang quality, wala na tarong pag-kahimo, unhealthy, dirty o wala ba nahatag sa imo ang sakto nga serbisyo, you can always go to the consumer’s welfare desks put up in commercial establishments kung asa nimo na palit ang pagkaon o serbisyo. You have the right to be compensated,” DTI-10 said in a statement.

Eight basic rights

According to DTI, there are eight basic rights of consumers. The right to be compensated is one of those as well as the right to basic goods and services such as food, education, sanitation, a house, medicine, etc.

Customers also have the right to be sold safe and healthy food and services only.

Included in the consumer’s rights is the right to be told clear, honest and direct information. “We should be given the facts directly so we know what are we eating and what we consume. Advertisements that are dishonest and misleading are prohibited.”

With regard to supplements that ask for people’s testimonies because they are not proven to cure ailments.

“‘No approved therapeutic claims’ should be indicated in the labeling and in advertisements to inform the consumers. They then, have the choice to buy it or not. What’s important is they are informed,” DTI-10 added.

Consumers also have the right to choose products without being forced, the right to consumer education, to suggest changes for the betterment of the industry, and the right to habituate in a comfortable and safe environment where they can function well, among others.

“Consumers need to educate themselves because that is how they know what is right from wrong. And our rights come with responsibilities. We should always practice them for the safety and health of our loved ones,” Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore, provincial director of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental, said.

Since October is the consumer welfare month, DTI-10 reminds consumers to educate themselves early and to know their rights well.