New consumer protection bill hurdles House committee

A HOUSE of Representatives committee approved a measure on Monday, proposing to align Philippine consumer protection law with international standards, to account for business practices that emerged during the shift to electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms.

The House Committee on Trade and Industry approved an unnumbered substitute measure that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which was signed more than 30 years ago.

“The draft bill seeks to amend certain provisions of the old code and harmonize it with current developments particularly brought about by technological advancement and the globalized economy that directly affect consumer transactions,” Rizal Rep. Emigdio P. Tanjuatco III, who headed the technical working group that fine-tuned the bill, said.

The new consumer law seeks to adopt the United Nations guidelines on consumer protection as the basis for enhancing and strengthening consumer protections, Mr. Tanjuatco told the committee.

The bill requires foreign-language product labels to include an English or Filipino translation. It also requires manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service establishments to maintain consumer hotlines or service centers.

“We are confident that the New Consumer Act of the Philippines will go a long way in promoting fair trade practices, promoting consumers, and fostering a more equitable business environment,” Mr. Tanjuatco told the committee. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz