Speech at the COMDDAP General Assembly

March General Membership Meeting
Forbes / San Lorenzo Function Rooms
Intercontinental Hotel, Makati City
March 8, 2007; 12:30 p.m.

Introduction

• Recent developments in our Department prove how valuable the field of Information Technology is. We want you to know that the Department of Trade and Industry is utilizing IT to help in the governance of the country and help spur the growth of the Philippine IT industry. There are several innovations that we have initialized in response to Executive Order No. 557, "Establishing an Anti-Red Tape Task Force". We have the sales promo verification website (www.dtincr.ph) to mitigate the increasing complaints on text scams, the Text Information Service for updated information on our services via SMS, and we also have on-line application and courier service for business name registration. These are just a few of the innovations we have that are made possible by IT.
• I see here a group of individuals with brilliant minds, highly-developed skills, and enthusiastic spirit who wants to make a difference in the IT industry. Your association is composed of the talented human capital with the adequate resources, so to speak. That is indeed, a gift that I believe you can put into good use.
• It is good to know that COMDDAP understands that responsible behavior leads to sustainable business success. Let me quote your company's description: "COMDDAP is an association of the country's top information technology businesses. Its primary objective is to promote the sustainable development of the country's information technology industry through voluntary collaboration of its member companies."
• I do hope that you continue to uphold the vision that you have. You can realize your goals by first, collaborating with the government to promote consumer welfare. The consumers are one of your primary stakeholders. Secondly, by elevating the standards of IT in our country, to be able to compete in the global market. Our nation is not far behind but we still have much to do to keep itself running and to ensure that it doesn't fall behind.

Fair Trade Laws

• I am not here to preach nor give you a very long lecture on fair trade laws. I simply wish to reiterate a couple of them, not only for the consumers' benefit but for yours as well. We protect your rights as much as we protect the consumers' rights. And as we all know, rights come with responsibilities.
• Republic Act 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, took effect on July 15, 1994. It is the policy of the state to protect the interest of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. The primary objective of this law is to protect consumers against unfair business practices. It also aims to provide adequate information and education to consumers.
• What are the areas of concern of DTI? We handle the following: Consumer Product Quality and Safety, Deceptive and unfair sales practices, Service Warranties, Price Tag, Labelling and packaging, Service and Repair shops, and advertising and sales promotion.
• There would be no smooth relationship between the business and the consumer sectors without the reasonable intervention of the government. Thus, we see to it that laws are implemented to assure the welfare of consumers and at the same time further support our businesses towards economic growth. Two laws which may be significant on your part are the Department Administrative Order No. 10 (DAO 10) and Provisions on Warranties.
• Last year, DAO 10 was enacted. It is a law which reiterates the rules on price tags and provides prohibition against the imposition of a surcharge or additional charge in the use of credit cards. I hope that you are well-informed of the provisions of this department order.
• The government always secures the welfare of all sectors concerned. View the laws such as DAO 10 as something that would enhance the business atmosphere and likewise improve business and consumer relationship. Certainly, it is for the benefit of everyone.
• Last February, we monitored 16 business establishments, primarily electronic and office equipment shops in Metro Manila to check if they are complying with the provisions of warranties under the New Civil Code and 'The Consumer Act of the Philippines.'
• I hope that the members of COMDDAP, will responsibly operate and deal with your clients. You have a vital role in serving as good examples to other businessmen from other industries. Show them what it means to be socially responsible. We at DTI hope that you will be one with us in our goal to decrease the number of complaints on fair trade laws, specifically on warranties. We are strictly monitoring business establishments in Metro Manila, to ensure that there are no violations committed.

Conclusion

• Let me end my message to you with some upbeat news. The government is truly proud to have an assocation such as COMDDAP, representing the IT sector in the country. The field of Information Technology has a significant impact on business and the economy as well.
• Rest assured that on the part of the government, we are doing our best to serve both you, the businessmen, and the consumers as well. Let me congratulate you as early as now for having determined efforts to elevate the standards of IT in the Philippines. We at the Department of Trade and Industry wish you nothing but the best in your endeavors.

Other Speeches :

• LIKHA NG CENTRAL LUZON 2008
• SPEECH DURING THE 3rd CALABARZON OTOP CONGRESS
• Speech on DTI-NCR's Launch of Anti-Red Tape Projects
• Keynote Speech at the Parañaque Business Conference
• Short Message at the ICT Investor's Forum