Consumer Rights PDF

The right to choose. Within reason, consumers have the right to be assured that a selection of quality products and services are available for them to purchase at competitive prices. It means that a consumer should have the opportunity to select the goods or services that he or she wants to purchase...

The right to choose. Within reason, consumers have the right to be assured that a selection of quality products and services are available for them to purchase at competitive prices. It means that a consumer should have the opportunity to select the goods or services that he or she wants to purchase. You may look forward to: A wide array of goods and services which are offered in the market with diverse brands, sizes, shapes and colors and with differences in the price, quality and use. ​ The right to safety. Consumers have the right to expect protection from hazardous products and services purchased in the marketplace, particularly if used properly for their intended purpose. Consumers have protection from the sale and distribution of dangerous goods and services. You may look forward to: Manufacture of consumer products to undertake extensive safety and performance testing before selling the products in the market. Labels which contains the proper information as regards the product, its use and how to operate it, if the need arises, and also precautions or warning signs.  ​ The right to information. Consumers have the right to receive adequate information about products on which to base buying decisions. Reliable sources exist to inform consumers about products or services. You may look forward to: A complete information about the product to be purchased including its use, ingredients/chemical contents, precautions, if any, limitations and expiry date. ​ The right to be heard and the right to voice or right to representation. Consumers have the right to equal and fair consideration in government policy-making situations, as well as prompt treatment in administrative courts or legal communities. In other words, consumers have a right to complain when there are problems or concerns. They have the right to speak up, to be heard, and to expect positive results. Through this right, both business and government are expected to respond to consumers. You may look forward to: Legislators would propose laws that would ensure that consumers would have the chance to live a better life by getting the best value for their hard-earned peso.  The right to redress or remedy. Consumers are afforded an opportunity to have a hearing to voice dissatisfaction such that a resolution is reached and the complaint is settled satisfactorily. You may look forward to: Manufacturers/Storeowners would replace defective goods pursuant to the provision on “No Return, No Exchange” provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. The right to environmental health. Consumers should be protected from the devastating effects of air, earth, and water pollution that may result from the performance of daily marketplace operations. Consumers have the right to live and work in an environment that does not threaten the well-being of present and future generations. You may look forward to: The government exerting an iron hand regarding the alarming increase in the degradation of the environment especially our forests, dying wildlife, depleted land fill space and environmental contamination to prevent further damage. Constant monitoring of our seas, coral reefs, forest, and waste disposal being committed by factories to check if there is a violation of the laws on environmental protection.  The right to service or right to basic needs. Consumers may expect convenience, the right to be treated with respect, an appropriate response to their needs and problems, and good quality design and workmanship in a product. Additionally, consumers may expect a courteous manner while in a store or other establishment even if a purchase is not made. Service means access to essential goods and services to include adequate food, shelter, clothing, health care, education and sanitation – basic needs that should be available to all consumers. You may look forward to: The availability of basic and prime commodities to consumers at affordable prices and of good quality. ​ ​ ​ The right to consumer education. Consumers are extended the right to continuing consumer education that supports the benefits and enjoyment of other specific rights. Consumers have the right to some form of training and mastery of knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions in the marketplace. You may look forward to: The three sectors of society: business, government and consumer would embark on an information campaign through tri-media on consumer-related issues. A series of seminars, conferences, fora, trainings and public hearing for the welfare of consumers. Consumer Education being integrated in the school curriculum from elementary, secondary and tertiary level as mandated by Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.