Chapter 2-3: Consumer Law

• Consumer Law- involve all the regulations and statutes that seeks to create a more equitable balance for buyers in the marketplace and prevent sellers from using dishonest tactics.
• Consumer – any individual who purchase goods or services, which may be sold by manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers.
• Consumers right and consumer protection law - provides a way for individuals to fight back against abusive business practices. These laws are designed to hold sellers of goods and services accountable when they seek to profit by taking advantage of a consumer’s lack of information
• Product Liability- This law refers to manufacturer or seller liable for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. Responsibility for a product defect that causes lies within all sellers of the product who are in the distribution chain.
• UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)- is actively involved in promoting and enhancing consumer protection policies and laws at the national and international levels. UNCTAD's work on consumer protection focuses on strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks for consumer protection, promoting international cooperation, and enhancing consumer awareness and education
• (ICPEN) International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network- It is a network of consumer protection agencies from around the world that work together to promote cross-border cooperation and information sharing on consumer protection issues. ICPEN was established in 1992 and has grown to include more than 70 member agencies from over 60 countries.
• DTI - is responsible for coordinating with other ICPEN member agencies on consumer protection matters, sharing information and best practices, and participating in joint enforcement actions to combat cross-border fraud and deceptive business practices.
• The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - in the Philippines plays a key role in price regulation, particularly in regulating the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.
• The DTI also works closely with other government agencies, such as the:

  • Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Health
• CONSUMER ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES (RA 7394)- is an important law that provides consumers with legal protection and remedies against unfair and deceptive business practices. The law is enforced by the DTI's Consumer Protection Group, which works to promote fair business practices and protect the rights of consumers in the Philippines.
• the price act of the Philippines (R.A 7581)- is an important law that provides consumers with important protections against unfair pricing practices and ensures that basic necessities and prime commodities remain affordable and accessible, especially during times of crisis.
• Republic Act No. 9711 - was enacted in 2009 and further strengthened the regulatory functions of the FDA. The law established the FDA as an attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH)
• FDA Food and Drug Administration - is tasked with ensuring that all food and drug products in the market are safe and effective for use by consumers. It does this by conducting inspections and testing of products, reviewing applications for registration and renewal of products, and enforcing laws and regulations related to food and drugs