DUMAGUETE CITY — A new network of government agencies, local government units, and other offices is being formed to streamline consumer complaints against them, ensuring easier and more effective resolution, an official announced on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental, the initiative, known as ConsumerNet, seeks to gather all relevant government offices to discuss and refine existing processes for handling consumer complaints. “Complaints are usually lodged with our office but cannot be acted upon as they are outside DTI’s jurisdiction,” Bato explained.
ConsumerNet, an initiative of the provincial office of the DTI, aims to bring together these government offices next week to enhance consumer welfare and protection. “We do not outright reject a complainant but facilitate referrals to the agency or office concerned as we strongly support and advocate consumer protection,” Bato said. However, she noted that many clients often return, frustrated that their complaints were neither attended to nor resolved.
During the upcoming meeting on June 28, participating agencies and offices will present their procedures for handling complaints. This will allow ConsumerNet to identify the most efficient system for safeguarding consumer rights and expediting complaint resolutions. Additionally, Bato mentioned that a website would be developed to provide users with information on where to file specific complaints involving particular agencies or offices.