DTI, NTC Inked Deal to Boost Protection of Telecoms Users

(DTI) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen the protection of consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable practices involving the telecommunications industry.

DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba and NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba signed the agreement on 07 May 2015.

The DTI, as provided in the Consumer Act of the Philippines, shall protect the interest of the consumer and shall implement measures to achieve protection against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices.

Pursuant to the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines, the NTC shall be responsible for ensuring quality, safe, reliable, secured, compatible, and inter-operable telecommunications facilities and services.

Mandates of DTI and NTC are delineated in the agreement to avoid confusion in the handling of administrative complaints against erring telecommunication companies.

DTI will handle complaints involving warranty, misleading advertisement, defective products, fraudulent sales promotions, and deceptive sales practices.

On the other hand, NTC will handle complaints involving poor service (technical and customer services), billing issues, fair use policy, denial of subscription plan application, text spams, and text scams.