On September 26, 1997, former President Fidel V. Ramos signed the Proclamation No. 1098 which declared the month of October and the year after as the “Consumer Welfare Month” to protect the public against unreasonable price increases or fraudulent practices in the market.
This year’s celebration highlights the theme, “Consumer Rights in the Digital Age.”
According to Department of Industry- Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG), Undersecretary Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, “The advent of technology has opened various channels that cater to consumers’ needs instantly. But consumers need to be responsible each time they resort to these channels in purchasing products and services. Thus, be wise, informed, and assertive consumers!”
With the technological advances of the digital age, consumer’s buying power has become flexible. With just a few clicks, anyone now can enjoy shopping online minus the hassle of long cashier lines, thus making our life a little bit easier. But is it really safe? How can we determine which online shop is legit or not? What happens to our personal data we put online?
At present, DTI is pushing for laws that protect the rights of consumers who transact online, which include proposed amendments to the Consumer Act, expanding consumer protection measures, such as online shopping and e-commerce transactions.
As consumers and online shoppers, we need to be responsible for our own protection while we transact in the online environment, be it on: (1) the merchant’s own website; (2) an e-marketplace/ online mall; or (3) a social networking site.