THE EIGHT (8) BASIC CONSUMER
RIGHTS
1. THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS
: which guarantee survival, adequate food, clothing,
shelter, health care, education and sanitation.
You may look forward to:
the availability of basic and prime commodities to consumers at affordable prices and of
good quality.
2. THE RIGHT TO SAFETY
The right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that
are hazardous to health and life.
You may look forward to:
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Manufacturers of consumer products to undertake extensive safety and performance testing
before selling their products in the market.
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Labels which contain the proper information as regards the product, its use and
how to operate it, if the need arises, and also precautions or warning signs.
3. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION
The right to be protected against fraudulent/dishonest or misleading advertising/labelling/promotion
and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice.
You may look forward to:
Complete information about the product to be purchased, including its use, ingredients/chemical
contents, precautions, if any, limitations and expiry date.
4. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE
The right to choose products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
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 with differences in the price, quality and use.
5. THE RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION
The right to express consumer interests in the making and execution of government policies.
You may look forward to:
Legislators would propose laws that would ensure that consumers have the chance to live a
better life by getting the best value for their hard-earned peso.
6. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS
The right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.
You may look forward to:
Manufacturers/storeowners would replace defective goods pursuant to the provision
"No Return, No Exchange" provided in the DTI's Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7349, otherwise known
as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
7. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION
The right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed consumer.
You may look forward to:
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The three sectors of society: business, government and consumer would embark on an information
campaign through tri-media on consumer related issues.
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A series of seminars, conferences, fora, training, and public hearings for the welfare
of the consumers.
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Consumer education being integrated in the school curriculum from elementary to secondary
levels as mandated by R.A. 7394 also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
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The Consumer Empowerment Seminar organized bu the NCAC
8. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
The right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous,
and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.
You may look forward to:
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The government exerting an iron hand regarding the alarming increase in the degradation
of the environment, especially forests, dying wildlife, depleted land fill space and environmental contamination to prevent
further damage.
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Constant monitoring of our seas, coral reefs, forest, and waste disposal practices of factories
to check if there is a violation of the laws on environmental protection.
THE FIVE (5) CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. CRITICAL AWARENESS
The responsibility to be more alert and questioning about the use and the price and quality
of goods and services we use.
2. ACTION
The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. Remember
that as long as we remain passive consumers, we will continue to be exploited.
3. SOCIAL CONCERN
The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other citizens, especially
the poor, exploited, disadvantaged or powerless groups, whether in the local, national or international community.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption. We should
recognize our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.
5. SOLIDARITY
The responsibility to organize together as consumers to develop the strength and influence
to promote and protect our interests.
