PH Outlines its Initiatives on Consumer Protection at UN Experts Meeting
Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo (inset) delivers the Philippine statement during the General Debate of the IGE4 on Consumer Protection Law and Policy. (Geneva PM photo)
GENEVA 31 July 2019 — The Philippines highlighted its initatives in addressing consumer production during the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE4) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, held in Geneva on 08-09 July 2019.
Delivering the Philippine statement, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo outlined the country’s various initiatives aligned to the revised United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Protection (UNGCP).
Among the Philippine initiatives cited are the ongoing effort to include privacy and E-commerce statements in the amendments of the Consumer Protection Law, the conferment of Bagwis Awards to deserving businesses that uphold the rights and welfare of the consumers, the establishment of a National Online Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) system, the forthcoming voluntary peer review of the Philippines in ASEAN, and the hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum on Sustainable Consumption.
Furthermore, Undersecretary Castelo shared the country’s plan of integrating consumer education in the school curricula, in government and in businesses “to develop an attitude and behavior on being mindful of sustainable consumption” during a roundtable discussion on the role of consumer policy in the promotion of sustainable consumption.
Created as a standing body under the UNGCP, the IGE on Consumer Protection Law and Policy is mandated to monitor and update the application and implementation of its guidelines, provide a forum for consultations, produce research and studies, provide technical assistance, and conduct peer reviews.
This year’s IGE is focused on the contribution of consumer protection to sustainable consumption. END
For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGenevaUN/.