BACOLOD City – Amidst the increasing prices of basic goods and services, there is a significant rise on revitalized efforts from the consumers to assert the issue of consumer protection and empowerment, according to the observation of Power Watch Negros (PWN).
PWN secretary general Wennie Sancho said their advocacy involves the practice of safeguarding the buyers and consumers of goods and essential services against unfair trade practices in the marketplace.
“Unfortunately, consumer protection measures established by law were not faithfully implemented,” he claimed.
Sancho added: “These laws are intended to prevent businesses from engaging in fraud or unfair trade practices to mislead consumers.”
PWN said the establishment of consumer protection movement will provide protection for the general public that maybe impacted by the product or services imbued with public interest like water and electricity, particularly in areas like food and transportation, where public health or safety is an issue.
Consumer protection is closely associated to the rights and welfare of the consumers and to the formation of consumer advocacy groups, which helps consumers make better choices in the marketplace and pursue complaints against businesses if and when it is necessary, Sancho said.
He emphasized that as a consumer advocate, this initiative of asserting consumer protection signifies a strategic leap towards paving the way for a vigorous consumer protection movement with the creation of an alliance that will galvanize the collective strength of the consumers.
The group is posing a challenge for consumers to unite “in our resolve and in our quest for consumers’ protection, for in that quest, lies the promise of redemption, a redemption that can only be achieved through consumer empowerment.”
Sancho further said this effort is necessary to alleviate tensions and pave the way for a mutually beneficial collaboration between the businesses and the consumers, which is a pragmatic step towards a more stable and prosperous partnership that will enhance consumer protection in compliance with the policy of state to protect the interests of the consumers and reforming the practices of the corporations on the policies of the government.
PWN will issue a consumers’ covenant on this concern soon./PN
