DTI’s Consumer Protection Group Imposes Price Tag Rule: “PM is key” to be Fined

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last Wednesday, business owners, online sellers, and establishments should post their products and services’ prices instead of opting to send private messages or PMs to customers. This would be in compliance with Fair Trade laws and the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“To strengthen the implementation of the Price Act and Consumer Act, the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DAR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) have recently issued the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01, consolidating all existing rules and guidelines on online businesses,” the DTI states.

The DTI’s Consumer Protection Group states that both online and physical stores must disclose prices through the appropriate price tags, labels, and markings that will indicate the retail prices of consumer products. According to DTI, these products must not be sold at a higher price than what is stated.

“We are firm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices,” The DTI’s Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo states. As warned by the agency, online sellers who still continue to send private messages or PMs to consumers asking for price inquiries can be fined and imprisoned ranging from P200 to P5,000, while imprisonment can last from one to six months.

Source: ABS CBN News