Mindanaotoday.com | DTI reminds consumers to be critical, cautious in buying items
By: Jan Albert Araña
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – As the country celebrates Consumers’ Month this October, the Department of Trade and Industry-Misamis Oriental (DTI-MisOr) provincial office reminds consumers to be critical of the items they buy over the internet.
With the influx of online selling market portals and sites during the pandemic, DTI Misamis Oriental urged the public to be more responsible consumers when buying online by selecting the appropriate seller to avoid falling into bogus transactions and hidden charges upon item delivery.
“As we exercise our consumer rights, please know that we also have responsibilities, one of which is to be critically aware of the things that we are going to buy and examine whether or not these transactions are beneficial to you,” DTI-MisOr Provincial Director Almer Masillones said.
Masillones explained that the department has no control over the shipping fees that online seller platforms offer because the mode of courier or shipping they choose to use is openly disclosed prior to checking out the items.
She also emphasized that buyers can accept or reject the transactions.
On the other hand, DTI-MisOr announced that in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development and University of the Philippines E-researchers, DTI is currently developing the Philippine Online Dispute Resolution System, which will handle complaints about online transactions. Other government agencies that monitor different prices of items being sold will also be included in the system.
Once fully implemented, it will be known as the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance Resolution System, and it will provide more ways for consumers to quickly relay their complaints to the agency.
DTI assures the public that they are constantly monitoring the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in order to protect consumers’ welfare and rights. (JAKA | PIA-10)
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