DTI: Printed billing statements given at no cost to consumers

Printed copies of billing statements, if requested by consumers, should be given at no cost, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

The DTI said it is coordinating with other government agencies and the private sector to ensure that consumers need not pay additional fees when opting to receive a paper billing statement via mail.

According to the agency, telecommunication, insurance, banks, and credit card companies have adopted the practice of sending a customer’s billing statement via electronic mail known as “paperless billing” to avoid delays in delivery of paper billing statements and also to advocate environmental sustainability.

“The Department of Trade and Industry recognizes the initiative of companies to protect the environment through their move towards e-billing or paperless billing,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

“However, the DTI also recognizes the right of consumers to still receive paper billing without cost,” Castelo added.

Castelo said consumers must be informed of any move towards paperless transaction and they must be able to decide which method they prefer.

She said telecommunication, insurance, banks, and credit card companies should ensure that consumers are well-informed of their options as failure to do so could lead to violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The DTI said that in case the consumer decides to shift from paperless billing to paper billing statement via mail, he or she should get a copy at no cost.

The inter-agency committee on telecommunication composed of the DTI, Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Telecommunications Commission, and National Privacy Commission is set to come up with a policy to address consumer complaints such as paperless billing, among others.