COMPLAINTS HANDLING

Under Republic Act No. 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, it is the policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Accordingly, Article 159 of the Consumer Act and Sections 2 and 18 of Executive Order No. 913, mandates DTI to protect the rights of consumers by providing a fair, timely, and professional response to complaints for violations of R.A. 7394 and other Trade and Industry/Fair Trade Laws.

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File a Consumer Complaint

Consumer complaints filed with DTI may cover any, but not limited to the following:

• Liability for Product and Services (i.e. Defective or Imperfect Products/Services)
• Deceptive Sales Acts/Practices
• Consumer Product Quality and Safety
• Violation for printing “No Return. No Exchange” in the receipts
• Chain Distribution Plans or Pyramid Sales Schemes
• Consumer Product and Service Warranties
• Labeling and Fair Packaging
• Misleading Advertisement and Fraudulent Sales Promotion Practices
• Regulation of Repair and Service Firms
• Philippine Lemon Law

Complainants may opt to file a complaint through any of the following modes:

• Online complaints may be filed by clicking the Consumer Complaints button.
• Snail mail complaints may be filed through courier or registered mail.
• Walk-in complaints, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, at 8:00am-5:00pm.

For National Capital Region:
DTI-FTEB
Office Address: UPRC Building 315 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines

For DTI Regional/Provincial Offices:
Please check the DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Directory through this link www.dti.gov.ph/contact

HAVE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT?

TO HELP US RESPOND BETTER TO YOUR COMPLAINTS, PLEASE PROVIDE THE CORRECT AND COMPLETE INFORMATION OF BOTH THE COMPLAINANT AND CONCERNED ESTABLISHMENT.

Mediation

Mediation is an intervention by which DTI, through its appointed or designated Mediation Officers, facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties, and assists them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding a dispute.

Mediation is mandatory in all consumer complaints involving violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and Other Fair Trade Laws. It is a condition precedent for the filing of formal complaints for adjudication under Rule IV Department Administrative Order No. 20-02 Series of 2020.

• Receive Complaint
• Evaluate Complaint
• Issue Notice of Mediation
• Conduct Mediation

Mediation may result in either an amicable settlement between parties or failure of mediation leading to the issuance of a Certificate to File Action (CFA) by the DTI Mediation Officer. If CFA is issued, the complainant may proceed to file a formal complaint to the proper office of the DTI for adjudication purposes.

Checklist of Requirements

• Accomplished Initial Complaint Form
• Any proof of transaction (i.e. official receipt, delivery receipt, invoice, job order)
• Other pieces of evidence to support claim

FAQs

What is DTI’s jurisdiction based on the Consumer Act of the Philippines? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-30T14:33:28+08:00

Consumer complaints involving consumer products not falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture referring to the following provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines:

• Consumer Product Quality and Safety
• Deceptive, Unfair and Unconscionable Sales Acts/Practices
• Violation for printing “No Return. No Exchange” in the receipts
• Chain Distribution Plans or Pyramid Sales Schemes
• Consumer Product and Service Warranties
• Labeling and Fair Packaging
• Liability for Product and Services
• Misleading Advertisement and Fraudulent Sales Promotion Practices
• Regulation of Repair and Service Firms

For other consumer concerns, please refer to the matrix below:

Matrix of Consumer Agencies and Areas of Concern

• When no settlement is reached by the parties, the Mediation Officer with or without the request of complainant, shall forthwith issue a Certificate to File Action with copies thereof served on the parties pursuant to Rule III Section 6.2 of DAO 20-02 Series of 2020.
• Complainants may file a formal complaint to DTI Adjudication Division, the Office that has jurisdiction or the Regular Courts.

I do not have information about the business address of the establishment I had a transaction with online, which I want to complain against, what shall I do? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-30T15:19:27+08:00

I do not have information about the business address of the establishment I had a transaction with online, which I want to complain against, what shall I do?

– For concerns involving transactions against an alleged online seller/scammer, without the contact information such as business address, you may directly file to either the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

NBI Anti-Cybercrime Division
NBI Building
Taft Avenue, Manila
Tel: (632) 523-8231 to 38 local: 3454, 3455
Email: ccd@nbi.gov.ph

NBI Anti-Fraud and Action Division
NBI Building
Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
523 8231 to 38 local 3491 & 3456
Email: afad@nbi.gov.ph

PNP-ACG Operations Center
Camp Crame, Quezon City
Tel: 8723-0401 local 5337 or 0998 598 8116
Email: cpiu@acg.pnp.gov.ph
cyber.response@acg.pnp.gov.ph
cru.acg@pnp.gov.ph

– No, it is not allowed. The prohibition on the “No Return, No Exchange” policy is enforced so that consumers may exercise their right to 3Rs – repair, replacement, and refund in case the product purchased has imperfection or defect pursuant to the Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394).

However, the said policy does not apply under the following situations:

• If the product purchased has no imperfection or defect, or if not expired or fake, the store may opt not to replace or refund
• When the defects of the goods are due to the mishandling of the buyer
• In cases of “as-is-where-is” transactions
• If the consumer had a change of mind
• The sale of second-hand articles

Laws and Statutes

Consumer Act of the Philippines

Implementing Rules and Regulations/Guidelines

Revised Rules of Mediation and Adjudication of the Department of Trade and Industry

Rules on Mediation in the Resolution of Inquiries, Complaints and/or Cases Filed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and Other Trade and Industry Laws Supplementing Department Administrative Order No. 07, series of 2006

Other Consumer Concerns

Different government offices also handle consumer complaints depending on the nature, products, or services being complained of. For complaints outside the jurisdiction of DTI, you may find the appropriate government office for your concern below:

Non-DTI or Other Government Agencies

Hospitals and Doctors Services Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:09:52+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Health (DOH)
San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila

Tel. #s:
(02) 165-364
(02) 651-7800 loc. 5001 to 5004

Mobile #: 0918-8888364

Processed Food, Drug, Cosmetics and Medical Devices Household Products with Hazardous Substances Jeff Llauderes 2022-02-26T08:26:59+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Civic Drive Filinvest Corporate City Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tel. #s:
(02) 857-1900
(02) 165-332
(02) 807-0751

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #s:
(02) 921-3251
(02) 920-4464
(02) 924-4010
(02) 924-4072
(02) 924-4075
(02) 929-5108

Banks and other Financial Intermediaries, non-Bank Financial Institutions, Pawnshops and Credit Cards Narjay Calinao 2022-03-04T03:10:27+08:00

Banks and other Financial Intermediaries, non-Bank Financial Institutions, Pawnshops and Credit Cards

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
A. Mabini St. cor. P. Ocampo St.,
Malate Manila, Philippines 1004

Tel. #s:
(02) 708-7701
(02) 524-7011 loc. 2584

Direct Line: (02) 523-3631

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC)
3rd – 10th Floor SSS Building 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St. Makati City

Tel. #s:
(02) 841-4630
(02) 841-4631

Toll Free:
1-800-1-888-7342 or
1-800-1-888-PDIC

Fax No.: (02) 817-3566

Non-issuance of Receipts Modes of Payment and Information on Registration Requirements Narjay Calinao 2022-03-04T03:18:40+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
BIR National Office Bldg., BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Tel. #s:
(02) 981-7003
(02) 981-7020
(02) 981-7030
(02) 981-7040
(02) 981-7046

Complaints on Pre-need Plans and Pyramiding Companies/corporations Jeff Llauderes 2022-07-20T06:19:23+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Secretariat Building, PICC Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

Tel. #s:
(02) 818-5554 (CRMD)
(02) 818-2016 (MSRD)
(02) 818-5704 (EIPD)

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
Old MIA Road Pasay City

Tel. #s:
(02) 852-8967 (direct line)
(02) 165-66
(02) 853-7259
(02) 854-5996

Integration of Consumer Education into the School Curriculum and Development of Consumer Protection Programs for Out-of-school Youth and Adults Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:19:09+08:00

Integration of Consumer Education into the School Curriculum and Development of Consumer Protection Programs for Out-of-school Youth and Adults

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Education (DepEd)
DepEd Complex, Meralco Ave.,
Pasig City

Tel. #s:
(02) 636-1663
(02) 633-1942

Mobile #: (0919) 456-0027

Agricultural Products, Product Quality and Safety, Price Tag, Labelling and Packaging Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:22:10+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Agriculture (DA)
Elliptical Road Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #s :
(02) 273-AGRI (2474)
(02) 928-8756 to 65

Adulterated Livestock, Feeds, Vaccines, Pharmaceuticals and Biologics Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:23:40+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #s:
(02) 926-6883
(02) 925-4343
(02) 928-2836 (Animal Health Division)

Information on the Production Standards, Processing Distribution, and Marketing of Food, Non-food Agriculture and Fishery Products, and Organic Agriculture Industry Jeff Llauderes 2022-07-20T06:20:52+08:00

Information on the Production Standards, Processing Distribution, and Marketing of Food, Non-food Agriculture and Fishery Products, and Organic Agriculture Industry

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS)
BPI Cmpd. Visayas Ave. Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #: (02) 928-8756 to 65

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
PCA Building, Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #s:
(02) 929-8074
(02) 929-9597

All Plants, Fruits and Vegetables EXCEPT Rice, Corn, Sugar, Coconut, Tobacco, and Fibers Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:29:26+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) ,
692 San Andres Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines

Tel. #s:
(02) 524-7909
(02) 525-2987

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Insurance Commission (IC)
UN Avenue Ermita, Manila

Tel. #s:
(02) 523-8461 to 70 loc. 127 and 103
(02) 404-1758

Erring Taxi Drivers, Franchises, Tampered Taxi Meters and Concerns on Fare Regulation Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:32:58+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
East Avenue Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #s:
(02) 426-2515
(02) 426-2519

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)
No. 4 Visayas Ave. Brgy. Vasra
1128 Quezon City
(One Stop Shop Center)

Tel #: (02) 554-7224

Information on Entry of Imported Consumer Products into the Country, Consumer Products for Export, and Regular Inspections in Terms of Imported Products Including Hazardous Substances Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:58:19+08:00

Information on Entry of Imported Consumer Products into the Country, Consumer Products for Export, and Regular Inspections in Terms of Imported Products Including Hazardous Substances

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Bureau of Customs (BOC)
South Harbor, Gate 3, Port Area, Manila

Tel. # : (02) 917-3200 (3201 to 3205)

Complaints on Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Fuels EXCEPT Defective LPG Tanks (handled by DTI) Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:41:36+08:00

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Energy (DOE)
2F PNOC Building V, Energy Center, Rizal Drive, 34th St. Taguig City

Tel. # : (02) 479-2900

Complaints on High Cost of Electricity, Tampered Meter and Disputes Between Distribution Utility and Consumer Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:44:04+08:00

Complaints on High Cost of Electricity, Tampered Meter and Disputes Between Distribution Utility and Consumer

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
(Consumer Affairs Service)

Tel. #s:
(02) 687-5577
(02) 687-5544
(02) 689-5303 (ERC trunkline)

Energy-related question, complaint or report may be sent to ERC via text messaging.
Key in ERC and send to 2920 (for Globe & Smart subscribers only)

Concerns on Traffic and Solid Waste-Management, Public Safety, Environmental Management, Zoning, Flood Control Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:45:31+08:00

Concerns on Traffic and Solid Waste-Management, Public Safety, Environmental Management, Zoning, Flood Control

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
MMDA Building, EDSA corner Orense St., Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City

Tel. #s:
(02) 881-0861
(02) 882-4151 to 77 loc. 1160

For Legal Opinion on Abuse of Power/Authority by LCEs, Local Officials, Drug Addiction and Drug Pushing Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:48:16+08:00

For Legal Opinion on Abuse of Power/Authority by LCEs, Local Officials, Drug Addiction and Drug Pushing

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
DILG-NAPOLCOM Center,EDSA,corner Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City
(Public Relations Division)

Tel. #s:
(02) 925-7343
(02) 876-3454 loc. 5705

Complaints on Food in Restaurants, Eateries, and Sidewalk Vendors Regulation of Practice Relative to Weights and Measures Senior Citizen(SC) Discount Jeff Llauderes 2022-03-04T03:50:37+08:00

Complaints on Food in Restaurants, Eateries, and Sidewalk Vendors Regulation of Practice Relative to Weights and Measures Senior Citizen(SC) Discount

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Local Government Unit (LGU) where the business operates*

*provide contact details of the concerned LGU

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA)
NCDA Building, Isidora Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #: (02) 932-6422

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
C.P Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City

Tel. #: (02) 920-0101 loc. 1004

AGENCY / CONTACT DETAILS

National Privacy Commission (NPC)
3rd Floor, Core G, GSIS Headquarters Bldg., Financial Center, Pasay City

Tel. #: (02) 517-7806

Trunklines (loc. 7031):
(02) 928-6085
(02) 920-0101
(02) 928-6099
(02) 928-1887
(02) 928-6076
(02) 928-6018

Adjudication

Adjudication Process for Consumer Complaints

Upon issuance of Certificate to File Action by the Mediation Division, the complainant may now file a Formal Complaint with proof of transaction, pieces of evidence, and other pertinent records to the Adjudication Division of the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau.

1. Receipt of the Formal Complaint and the CFA

Our administrative staff upon receipt of the Formal Complaint and attachments will evaluate the Complaint if it is essentially complete (If the Formal Complaint is duly accomplished, notarized, has Verification of Non-Forum Shopping and a CFA). In case some essential details in the complaint form (address, cause of action, signature etc.) are lacking, we can assist the party to remedy the defect.

2. Issuance of the NOA and other Orders

The AO assigned to the case issues the Notice of Adjudication ordering the parties to submit their respective Position Papers within a non-extendible period of Ten working days. It will be sent electronically and physically to the address of records of the parties found in the Complaint.

3. Deciding a Case

When a case is already submitted for Decision, the AO will decide the case based on the pleadings and evidence submitted on record relative to existing laws, issuances and jurisprudence. A certified true copy of the Decision will be sent to the physical address of the parties.

FAQs

Black’s Law Dictionary defines Adjudication as the legal process of resolving a dispute. The formal giving or pronouncing a judgment or decree in a court proceeding; also the judgment or decision given.

In Consumer Complaints handling, the process of adjudication starts after efforts to arrive at an amicable settlement have failed during the Mediation stage, the Complainant may opt to pursue his/her consumer complaint further by filing a formal complaint with the Adjudication Division.

Once the essential requirements have been complied, the complaint will then be assigned to the Adjudication Officer who will be tasked to adjudicate on the consumer complaint by ordering the filing of the respective position papers from the parties within ten (10) working days from receipt of the notice/order. Once the position papers have been submitted, the Adjudication Officer will determine whether or not the complainant is entitled to the remedy of Repair, Replace, or Refund and may also impose the appropriate administrative penalty or sanction prescribed by applicable laws/regulations if necessary.

A “Consumer Complaint” (Formal Complaint) filed for the purpose of adjudication under Section 1, Rule IV of Department Administrative Order No. 20-02 refers to the “written allegation of the violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines or any Trade and Industry Law arising from a consumer transaction”. A Consumer Complaint contains the following: a detailed narration of facts surrounding the consumer transaction, names and addresses of the parties, the cause or causes of action of the Complainant against the Respondent relating to the alleged law violated or any specific provision thereof, the relief sought, a Verification and Certification Against Non-Forum Shopping and such other pieces of evidence to support the Complainant’s allegation (Section 1.1; Rule IV of Department Administrative Order No. 20-02)

What are the remedies available to me should I choose to file a Formal Complaint? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T19:57:42+08:00

The reliefs available for a complainant are either: Repair, Replacement, or Refund of the amount paid.

Can the Adjudication Officer award damages and other expenses? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T19:57:59+08:00

No. The Adjudication Officer cannot award damages, litigation, and other similar expenses. The Adjudication Officer may grant the remedies of Repair, Replace or Refund. We may only order the repair or replacement of the product or refund of the purchase price, which is limited only to the actual purchase price of the product or service at the time of the transaction. You may however file a complaint for damages and other expenses in the regular courts after this case has attained finality.

A counterclaim and a cross-claim cannot also be filed being a prohibited pleading under Section 11 of Department Administer Order No. 02, Series of 2020.

When can I file a Consumer Complaint before the Adjudication Division? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T19:58:32+08:00

You can file a consumer complaint upon the issuance of a Certificate to File Action by the Mediation Division. Mediation is mandatory and a condition precedent to the filing of a Consumer Complaint (Formal Complaint).

There is no filing fee. As long as the Complaint is sufficient in form and the requirements submitted are complete, it may immediately be filed before the Adjudication Division.

No, it is not mandatory. However, a party may seek legal representation to better protect his/her rights and interests.

How can I file the Consumer Complaint with the Adjudication Division? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:01:29+08:00

After mediation, the complaint may be filed before the Adjudication Division through the submission of the following documents:

1. Duly verified, dated and signed Complaint Form containing:
   1. Names and addresses of the parties
   2. Concise statement of material facts and circumstances constituting the cause/s of action including the date, time, and place of commission or the act/s or omission/s complained of;
   3. Sworn Statement of witnesses and/or object or documentary evidence, if any;
   4. Reliefs prayed for, and the preliminary or preventative measure/s sought if any; and
   5. Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping

   (Sec. 1, Rule IV, DAO 20-02)

   What happens if the Formal Complaint is insufficient or defective? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:02:01+08:00

   What happens if the Formal Complaint is insufficient or defective?

   The complainant shall be notified of the insufficiency or defects of the complaint, and is required to correct or remedy the complaint within three (3) working days from notice, otherwise, the same shall be dismissed without prejudice to the refiling of a duly accomplished complaint. (Sec. 1, Rule IV, DAO 20-02)

   What is the next step after I file the complaint? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:02:18+08:00 What is the next step after I file the complaint?

   To submit a position paper, with proof of service to the other party, within a non-extendible period of ten (10) working days from receipt of the Notice of Adjudication. Additionally, the Adjudication Officer may also require the submission of additional evidence, or to hold a clarificatory hearing. (Secs. 6, 9, 12, Rule IV, DAO 20-02)

   What will happen if I fail to file a Position Paper? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:02:41+08:00 What will happen if I fail to file a Position Paper?

   A party who fails to file a position paper within ten (10) working days from receipt of the Notice of Adjudica tion shall be considered to have waived his or her right to file the same. A decision will be rendered based on the available evidence on record.

   Will there be a Hearing in Consumer Complaint cases? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:02:59+08:00 Will there be a Hearing in Consumer Complaint cases?

   A ‘Clarificatory Hearing’ may be conducted when the Adjudication Officer finds that there is a need to clarify certain issues on the Position Paper, Affidavits or pieces of evidence submitted by either party. (Section 12, Rule IV; Department Administrative Order No. 20-02). The holding of such Hearing is discretionary on part of the Adjudication Officer and in case the necessity to conduct arises, a Notice thereof will be sent containing the details of the Hearing.

   When is the case submitted for decision? (for Consumer Complaints) Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:03:32+08:00

   When is the case submitted for decision? (for Consumer Complaints)

   A case shall be deemed submitted for decision:

   1. When there is a petition jointly filed by the parties to seek judgment on their mediation agreement (Sec. 5, Rule IV, DAO 20-02);
   2. Upon submission of the parties of their respective position papers within the period prescribed or upon the lapse of ten (10) working days from receipt of the Notice of Adjudication (Sec. 10, Rule IV, DAO 20-02); or
   3. After the conduct of the clarificatory hearing (Sec. 12, Rule IV, DAO 20-02);
   4. Upon submission of additional evidence or upon the lapse of the period provided by to comply with such requirement (Sec. 12, Rule IV, DAO 20-02).

   Note that due to the differenc e in dates of receipt of the notices by the parties and date of compliance, the determination when the case is submitted for decision shall be based on the later compliance or upon the lapse of the prescribed period.

   When will the decision be issued? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:03:59+08:00 When will the decision be issued?

   The decision will be issued within fifteen (15) working days from the time the case is submitted or deemed submitted for decision.

   Can a motion for reconsideration be filed in consumer complaint cases? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:04:17+08:00

   Can a motion for reconsideration be filed in consumer complaint cases?

   No. Motion for reconsideration is not allowed for violations of the Consumer Act in Consumer Complaints. (Sec. 1, Rule XIV, DAO 7, Series of 2006). The filing of an Appeal (See FAQ #22) is the proper remedy available to any party aggrieved by the Decision.

   What is the remedy of a winning party in case the party against whom the decision is rendered fails to comply? Jeff Llauderes 2022-05-31T20:04:39+08:00

   What is the remedy of a winning party in case the party against whom the decision is rendered fails to comply?

   The winning party may file a motion for the issuance of an Order of Execution indicating the adverse party’s date of receipt of the Decision sought to be executed to prove that indeed, it has attained finality.

   An Order of Execution will then be issued by the Adjudication Officer and consequently, a Writ of Execution directed to the Office of the Sheriff. Thereafter, any updates regarding the execution of the Decision shall be made to the Office of the Sheriff.

   Laws and Statutes

   Republic Act No. 7394 (1991) Jeff Llauderes 2022-09-01T10:58:20+08:00 Republic Act No. 7394 (1991)

   Consumer Act of the Philippines

   Implementing Rules and Regulations/Guidelines

   Department Administrative Order No. 20-02, Series of 2020 Jeff Llauderes 2022-09-01T10:49:43+08:00 Department Administrative Order No. 20-02, Series of 2020

   Revised Rules of Mediation and Adjudication of the Department of Trade and Industry

   Department Administrative Order No. 07, Series of 2006 Jeff Llauderes 2022-09-01T10:50:14+08:00 Department Administrative Order No. 07, Series of 2006

   Instituting the Simplified and Uniform Rules of Procedure for Administrative Cases Filed with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and Other Trade and Industry Laws

   Adjudication Process for Formal Charges

   Filing of a formal charge by the Prosecution Unit starts the adjudication process of the case.

   1. Issuance of Summons

   Upon receipt of a Formal Charge, a Summons is issued by the Adjudication Officer which is an order requiring the Respondent in the case to submit an Answer to the Formal Charge within ten (10) working days from receipt of the Summons.

   2. Issuance of Notice of Preliminary Conference

   After Respondent’s Answer has been received or after the period to file the same has expired, the Adjudication Officer will either set the preliminary conference hearing through the issuance of a Notice of Preliminary Conference, or in lieu of a formal hearing, may opt to directly issue a Preliminary Conference Order. A Notice of Preliminary Conference is a notice informing the parties that a preliminary conference is being scheduled for the parties to discuss and take into consideration the following: (1) The simplicity of the issues; (2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings; (3) The possibility of obtaining stipulations or admission of facts and of documents; (4) The limitation of the number of affiant-witness; and (5) Such other matters as may aid in the prompt disposition of the case.

   3. Issuance of a Preliminary Conference Order

   After the conduct of the preliminary conference, the Adjudication Officer shall issue a Preliminary Conference Order which is an order directing the parties to submit their respective position papers with supporting affidavits and other documentary evidence not later than fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the said Order. Upon submission of the position papers, or upon the expiration of the period to submit position paper in instances that no position paper has been filed, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision.

   4. Issuance of the Decision

   Within fifteen (15) days from the time the case is submitted or deemed submitted for decision, the Adjudication Officer shall issue the decision or judgment determining the violation/liability of the respondent as charged based on: (a) the relevant facts of the case; (b) the issue/s involved; (c) applicable law and/or jurisprudence; (d) conclusions and reasons therefor; and (e) the relief/s granted, if any, and the administrative penalty/ies imposed, if any.

   5. Filing of a Motion for Reconsideration by the aggrieved party

   An aggrieved party may file a Motion for Reconsideration with the Adjudication Officer who rendered the decision, requesting the Adjudication Officer to reconsider the decision raising the points in the decision which are not supported by evidence or are contrary to law. The party is allowed by the rules to file only one (1) Motion for Reconsideration within the appeal period, which is fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision.

   6. Filing of Appeal by the aggrieved party

   An appeal may be filed, within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the decision/final judgment or order through the filing of a Memorandum of Appeal with the Office of the Secretary, together with a Notice of Appeal to the Adjudication Officer and copy furnished the adverse party/ies.

   7. Execution of Decision

   This is a process where after the decision has become final and executory, the Adjudication Officer, upon motion of the interested party or motu proprio, will issue an Order of Execution with the corresponding Writ of Execution, requesting the proper Sheriff’s Office to execute said decision.

   Source: Department Administrative Order No. 7 Series of 2006