Consumer rights in the digital age

Ibelieve that very citizen regardless of age, nationality, creed and social standing should have the same basic rights enjoyed and accorded to consumers in well developed countries because as consumers, we all deserve to get our money’s worth. For the month of October, we observe Consumer Welfare Month nationwide and my office usually undertake advocacy and consumer related activities to inform citizens of their basic rights as consumers.

This consumer awareness drive dates back in March 15, 1962 when President John F. Kennedy presented a speech to the United States Congress in which he extolled four basic consumer rights which later became the Consumer Bill of Rights. The United Nations through the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection expanded these into eight rights which was eventually adopted by Consumers International and the Philippines with minor modifications.

Among the guidelines are the right to basic needs. Consumers have the right to choose basic and prime commodities and be assured that products and services are available for them of quality 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. With this right, consumers can look forward to the availability of adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and other services at affordable prices.

Right to Safety. Every consumer should be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health and life. For this, consumers expects protection from the sale and distribution of dangerous goods and services.

The right to be informed. Consumers have the right to receive adequate information about products on which to base buying decisions.