ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 13, 2013) – The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Mindanao said it collected some P182,000 in fines and penalties from 23 business establishments for various violations of the country’s Fair Trade laws.
The fines and penalties were collected from January to June this year, according to Provincial Director Rolando G. Acuña.
“To date, there are actually 45 firms that were charged if we are to include the most recent enforcement activity we have conducted on July 17 wherein out of the 50 firms inspected, 22 were found in violation of FTLs and hence, were subsequently penalized,” he said.
“Thus, the amount of fines we have imposed would probably double if we are to include the penalties for the 22,” he added.
Acuña said most of establishments violated the laws on standards, price tag, labeling and on sales promotion.
He said the campaign on Fair Trade laws is part of DTI’s mandate to protect the welfare and interest of consumers.
“The DTI enforces FTLs involving consumer product quality and safety; deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices; consumer products and service warranties; price tag; mislabelling and fraudulent advertising; service and repair shops; advertising and sales promotion,” he said.
Acuña also appealed to business owners to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Fair Trade laws. (Lowell Vallecer)
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