Consumer Protection

Bam to NTC: Explain Delay in MC on Internet Standards

Where are we in improving the country’s Internet connection service?

Senator Bam Aquino made this pronouncement to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), as he wondered why the agency has not yet issued the memorandum circular on the quality of Internet standards.

“Six months have passed since the NTC committed to come out with the memorandum circular but until now, the agency has yet to deliver on its promise,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“The NTC must provide a detailed and acceptable report on its recent moves to improve the country’s Internet connection service as the approval of their 2016 budget heavily depends on that,” added Aquino.

Appointed recently as one of the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Bam is tasked to scrutinize and approve the budget of several government agencies, including the NTC, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)

For almost a year now, Sen. Bam has been investigating the slow and expensive Internet in the country.

During one of the hearings earlier this year, the NTC promised to release a memorandum circular that will set Internet quality service in the country, including the minimum speed for broadband and DSL connections.

Six months after, the NTC has yet to deliver on its commitment, which Sen. Bam described as detrimental to the welfare of millions of Internet user in the country.

The committee hearing though has produced small victories that may help achieve a faster and cheaper connection.

The probe has encouraged telecommunication companies to embrace IP peering that will help speed up opening of websites while the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released guidelines against deceptive or misleading internet print, TV and radio advertisements.

 

Four Laws in Two Years for Bam

Four laws in two years.

These were just some of the accomplishments of Sen. Bam Aquino, the youngest senator in the 16th Congress, during his first two years in office.

Included in the four laws authored, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam is the landmark Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act 10667, which was passed under his watch as chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, after it gathered dust in the legislative mill for almost 25 years.

Recently signed into law by President Aquino, the Philippine Competition Act will level playing field for all businesses by penalizing anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant players, aside from eliminating cartels that control supply and prices of goods in the market.

Aside from the Philippine Competition Act, the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act was also signed into law by the Chief Executive.

The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act or Republic Act 10668 will allow foreign ships carrying imported cargoes and cargoes to be exported out of the country to dock in multiple ports.

The law aims to reduce logistics costs for producers, create a more efficient import and export system, and lead to lower prices for consumers.  It will also help in decongesting the major ports in the country.

Last year, the Go Negosyo Act and the Philippine Lemon Law were signed into law by President Aquino.

Sen. Bam’s campaign promises of spurring jobs and enterprise development, levelling the playing field, and ease of dong business were further fulfilled with these macro economic reforms together with the establishment of Negosyo Centers all over the country through the Go Negosyo Act.

“Just as we promised, we have worked tirelessly for the passage of these measures that will create jobs and livelihood for fellow Filipinos and a better business climate for our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” said Sen. Bam.

In addition, the President is also expected to sign the Youth Entrepreneurship Act soon.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act, co-authored and principally sponsored by Sen. Bam, is touted to be an effective tool to solve the growing number of jobless youths in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

The enactment of this into law will make Sen. Bam’s portfolio of laws to five in two years.

“Hindi mahalaga ang edad, kung bagito ka man o beterano sa posisyon natin. Ang mahalaga, kailangang nagtatrabaho tayo para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan na siyang naglagay sa atin sa trabahong ito,” added Sen. Bam.

Moreover, the Responsive, Empowered, Service-Centric Youth Act, which aims to institutionalize youth participation in disaster risk and reduction planning, was passed on third reading.

He was also able to file a committee report on the Mircofinance NGOs Act, which aims to empower the sector that provides microfinancing services to micro businesses.

Aside from his legislative work, Sen. Bam also initiated an investigation into the country’s expensive and slow Internet connection.

The investigation has produced several victories that will help improve the country’s Internet service. It encouraged telecommunication companies to embrace IP peering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released guidelines against deceptive or misleading Internet print, TV and radio advertisements.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), for its part, is also expected to craft a memorandum circular that will set the quality of standards for all telecommunication companies to follow, be it broadband or DSL.

Sen. Bam also looked into the port congestion that hounded the Port of Manila early this year. After several hearings, port operations went back to normal, with utilization rate now between 70 to 80 percent.

Lastly, Sen. Bam worked together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), local governments, the academe, business clubs and other private groups in the establishment of Negosyo Centers that will assist small businesses.

Through the Go Negosyo Act, the Negosyo Centers aim to provide ease of doing business, access to business training & education, development services and financing for the growth of MSMEs.

As of this month, 61 Negosyo Centers have been established and 50 more are expected to be put up by the end of the year.

Bam: ICT Hubs to Improve Internet Speed, Access

In an effort to boost the country’s Internet speed and access, a senator has filed a bill seeking to create an Online Network Establishment (ONE) that will build and develop basic information and communications (ICT) infrastructure throughout the country.

“The ONE Philippines Act is a concrete step to build and develop basic information and communications (ICT) infrastructure through the solidarity of both public and private agencies,” Sen. Bam Aquino said in Senate Bill No. 2698.

The bill calls for the establishment of ICT Hubs in every legislative district, which will improve the country’s Internet speed and give more Filipinos access to the World Wide Web.

“Being a nation with over 7,000 islands and with an estimated 10 million Filipinos living abroad, it is important that we establish quality access to the Internet, and other means of communications across the country,” Sen. Bam emphasized.

However, a report by the United Nations (UN) agency said seven of 10 Filipinos have no Internet access and only 18.9 percent of households have Internet connection.

“There is an urgent need to address the lack of Internet access in the Philippines so Filipinos can keep their connections alive and strong and business can continue to thrive,” Sen. Bam said.

Also, Sen. Bam added the country’s GDP will improve by up to one percent by improving access to ICT, based on a study by the Nathan Institute and the Oxford Institute.

“The approval of this bill will not only lead to more personal connections between Filipino families and friends, it will also advance industry and support the country’s exceptional economic growth,” Sen. Bam stressed.

Stronger Consumer Act to Empower Citizens – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino stressed the importance of adding more teeth to the Consumer Act, saying it will empower and protect citizens more against substandard goods and services.

 “Strengthening the Consumer Act will further empower our citizens in their purchase of goods and services,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino made the pronouncement after the Department of Trade and Industry’s call to beef up Republic Act (RA) 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“Our consumers have worked hard to earn a living and they deserve to get value for their money,” Aquino added.

The senator said his committee will act immediately when it receives a draft bill from the DTI that contains the needed amendments for the Consumer Act.

“This must not wait because consumer protection is paramount and should be prioritized,” the senator stressed.

Aquino’s office has been deluged with different consumer complaints, ranging from substandard quality of products and inefficient service.

In an interview, Trade Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba said the agency will push several amendments that will give more teeth to the Consumer Act.

Among the amendments eyed by DTI is the inclusion of heavier fines for violators of the Consumer Act, from the existing minimum penalty of P500 to P50,000, to P300,000 to P1 million.

The DTI also wants to expand the membership of the private-public National Consumer Affairs Council to make it more effective in policy framing and addressing the needs of consumers.

Also, the DTI also wants to include online commerce-related practices in the scope of the law and the regulatory duty of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) over all financial transactions.

 The Senate recently passed its first pro-consumer measure in the 16th Congress – the Philippine Lemon Law – which protect car buyers from defective vehicles, was sponsored by Aquino.

Lower Prices of Goods Perfect Christmas Gift to Consumers – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino urges producers to heed the Department of Trade and Industry’s call to roll back prices of goods and products, saying it will be a perfect Christmas gift to millions of consumers.

 

“It will be an ideal gift for millions of Filipinos if our producers follow DTI’s call to adjust their prices commensurate to the decrease in prices of oil products,” Aquino said.

 

“We must give our consumers some reprieve from the high price of goods from the market,” added Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

 

Based on a DTI study, Aquino said oil prices in the world market have dropped 30 percent since June this year.

 

“The 30-percent drop in oil prices should translate to at least a 3-percent decrease in prices of goods,” Aquino emphasized, citing the DTI report.

 

The DTI is already determining how much should be deducted from the suggested retail price (SRP) of basic necessities and prime commodities that include agricultural and non-agricultural products.

 

The DTI has already released an initial guideline for a number of basic products where it indicates that a 155-gram can of sardines must go down by P0.2.

 

The guideline also states that a 370-milliliter (mL) can of evaporated milk should go down by P0.95; a 50-g coffee refill by P0.99; and a 25-kilogram (kg) sack of flour by P25.91.

 

Also, Aquino reminded consumers to compare prices of Noche Buena products with the DTI’s SRP list posted in supermarkets and other stores all over the country.

 

“This is to ensure that we are getting the Noche Buena goods at the right price,” Aquino said.

 

The senator urges consumers to report stores which violate the SRP through DTI’s hotline number (02) 751-3330.

Be Vigilant Against Unsafe, Dangerous Products – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino reminded consumers to be more vigilant against unsafe or dangerous products currently being sold in the market, especially with the Christmas season fast approaching.

 “We must be careful in our everyday purchase because some unscrupulous traders sell low quality or unsafe products despite the danger they bring to the public,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

“Price should not only be the basis for purchasing. We must also look at the quality and safety of the products that will flood our market,” the senator stressed.

Aquino advised consumers to buy products from legitimate stores to ensure quality and safety.

At the same time, the senator made the pronouncement amid the Food and Drugs Administration’s intensified campaign against unsafe products being sold in wet markets.

Among the products being strictly monitored by FDA are products tainted with dye, which commonly used as food color but some of it contain Rhodamine B that can cause cancer.

According to the FDA, dye is used in chili powder, cheese powder, turmeric powder, paprika powder, atsuete powder, kasubha powder, red gulaman and dried shrimp.

Dyes are also used in fish tapa, fish cracker and snack foods, sugar coated fennel, seasoning mix, spices and blends.

In an advisory, the FDA said Rhodamine B has been shown to be carcinogenic in mammalian models while Sudan dye is commonly used in shoe and floor polish, solvents, oils, waxes and petrol, and is likely to contain heavy metals.

Ensure Supply, Prices of Goods in Typhoon-Hit Areas – Sen. Bam to DTI, LGUs

Senator Bam Aquino has called on concerned government agencies, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to strictly monitor the supply and prices of basic goods, especially in areas devastated by Typhoon Mario.

“Ensuring supply and prices will keep unscrupulous traders who might take advantage of the situation in check,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino also urged the local government units to closely coordinate with the DTI in monitoring businesses in typhoon-hit areas.

“I also urge the public to report businessmen who will unjustly hold supply and jack up prices in typhoon hit areas so they can be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law if guilty,” said Aquino.

According to latest reports, Mario has affected 258,976 families or 1,160,050 people in 1,126 barangays in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central and Southern Luzon, Bicol, Central Visayas, Cordillera, and Metro Manila.

The death toll remained at 11 with 12 injured and two still missing while at least 81 roads and six bridges remained impassable in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.

In addition, the lawmaker called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to speed up the repair of damaged roads and other infrastructure so as not to hamper the delivery of goods to typhoon-hit areas.

Usually, Aquino said prices of basic products in areas devastated by typhoons and other calamities increase because of supply problems.

In addition, Aquino said Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act imposes an automatic price freeze in areas placed under state of calamity to ensure that goods remained at prevailing prices until the state of calamity is lifted.

Among the products covered by the price freeze are basic non-agricultural necessities, including canned fish and other canned marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergents, candles, bread, and salt.

Also included in price freeze are fresh vegetables, roots crops, sugar, cooking oil, firewood, charcoal and medicine classified as essential by the Department of Health.

Sen. Bam Warns Public Against Investment Scams

Don’t quickly fall for “easy money,” “quick money” or “double your money” schemes.

 Senator Bam Aquino made this advice to the public so as to avoid falling into investment, pyramid and other types of scams, which now made their way into popular social networking sites such as Facebook.

“We should be prudent especially when it comes to money. Think twice before you put your hard-earned money into something, especially when it promises high return of investment,” said Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino’s pronouncement came after the arrest of several individuals who were behind an investment scam advertised on social networking site Facebook.

In addition, an investment scam that duped 100 individuals, of around P100 million was discovered recently.

“Before investing, we must tread on the side of caution by checking with the Securities and Exchange Commission if an investment company is registered,” Aquino said.

“Just to make sure, we also must ask for documents that will prove the legitimacy of a company’s operation,” the senator added.

 The senator also called on authorities to intensify their campaign against syndicates involved in other scams to prevent more people from being victimized.

Probe Port Congestion Immediately! – Sen. Bam

Worried about its negative effect on prices of commodities and in the operations of local businesses, importers and exporters, Senator Bam Aquino has filed a resolution seeking a probe on the worsening cargo congestion at the Port of Manila.

 Aquino said the problem must be addressed quickly because the longer it sticks, prices of goods carried by importers and exporters will continue to rise.

“We will prolong the agony of the public if we will not help government agencies find ways to address the gridlock in the ports that led to untimely delays in shipment of goods, said Aquino.

In his Senate Resolution No. 809, Aquino stressed that delays in the cargo deliveries affected prices of agricultural products.

In addition, Aquino said even manufacturers of fresh produce couldn’t fully ship out the goods due to possible spoilage because of long queues in the ports.

“Because of this, the country’s exports have become highly uncompetitive,” added the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Bureau of Export Trade Promotion believes that its prediction of 5.8 percent to 7.2 percent in export growth rate is not feasible because of the problem.

“The decrease in trade volume affected the law on supply and demand, which resulted in abrupt price increases,” the senator said, adding that inefficient operations of the port had an adverse effect on free enterprise and competitiveness of Philippine goods.

Aquino earlier suggested to port authorities to look into the Ports of Batangas and Subic Bay as alternative cargo drop-off points.

The senator said Vietnam also had the same congestion problem but it was solved after it diverted cargo to new alternate ports of Ben Nghe and Phu Huu, aside from upgrading the Cat Lai port.

“With the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015, there is a need to have immediate and long-term solutions to the problems on port congestion since the flow of goods had been restricted by the issuance of policy orders of different government agencies,” the senator said.

Lemon Law OK ‘Major Win’ for Consumers – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino called President Aquino’s approval of the Philippine Lemon Law as a “major victory” for consumers as it provides them with much-needed protection against defective vehicles.

“We welcome its passage as it came during a time where owning a car is a necessity to keep up with the fast-paced society we live in,” said Aquino, the measure’s main sponsor at the Senate.

“The Lemon Law provides car owners with a blanket of protection for their hard-earned investments and sets consistent standards of quality and performance in the auto industry,” added Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

On Sunday, Malacanang announced the signing of Republic Act 10642 or An Act Strengthening Consumer Protection in the Purchase of Brand New Motor Vehicles.

The law mandates the return to consumer the full value of money if the motor vehicle that was bought would not be of standard and quality, 12 months or 20,000 kilometers from date of original delivery.

If the consumer remains unsatisfied with the efforts to the repair of the vehicle up to four times, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will exercise exclusive and original jurisdiction over disputes.

In his sponsorship speech, Aquino stressed the urgent need to protect car buyers, now that motor vehicles are crucial in present time where mobility is needed for business transactions to thrive daily.

“We want to protect consumers who use cars every day. The quality of cars that they purchase should match the work they put to earn a living,” Aquino said.

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