THE process for accrediting consumer organizations will be overhauled, with the proposed rules calling for reduced fees as well as revisions to the procedure for suspending or cancelling recognition, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Marcus N. Valdez II, director of the DTI’s Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), said the overhaul was outlined in the draft 2023 Revised Guidelines on the Recognition of Consumer Organizations, which amend the current guidelines in force, Department Administrative Order 17-07.
“Among those enhancements were the removal of the enlistment fee, clearer delineation of the responsibilities of CPAB, regional and provincial offices, and enhancement of the provisions of suspensions and cancellations of recognition,” Mr. Valdez said in a statement on Monday.
“With these revisions, we are hoping for the consumer organizations to have a more active participation in upholding consumer welfare and interest,” he added.
Online public consultation on the revised guidelines was conducted on March 7 and 8. A copy of the draft guidelines is available in the DTI’s website.
“Through the enhanced guidelines, the DTI aims to revitalize the involvement of consumer organizations in consumer-related activities and programs,” the DTI said.
“We acknowledge the important role and valuable contributions of consumer organizations in consumer protection and we want to make it easier for them to be recognized and be proactive in the promotion of consumer empowerment,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
