LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA5/Albay) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay urged  business establishments to secure permits before conducting sales promotions of their product, service or event. 

Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist (STIDS) Head and Consumer Advocacy & Business Section Consumer Protection Division, Ma. Lourdes A. Pasobillo discussed this during the Talakayan sa PIA Albay program held on Feb. 17, Friday. She said business establishments must secure their permits within 30 days before conducting promotional campaigns.

"Big or small promotions must have permits from DTI, also promotional campaigns like raffle, premium, redemption, games, contests, and competitions that will require purchases are required to obtain a permit. While in-store promos, government-related campaigns  or any competitions that do not require purchases are exempted from getting permits," Pasobillo said.

She added that permits determine the legitimacy of their promotional campaigns in accordance with RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines to avoid misleading advertisements.

Business establishments from other provinces may apply their permits from DTI Regional Office while those from Albay may avail their permits at DTI Albay.

Pasobillo said that online stores from online platforms such as Shopee or Lazada with transactions in national scope must secure promotion permits in the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau. 

What are the requirements for application of promotional campaign permits?

Application of permit requires business establishments to be registered in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and DTI as well as Mayor's permit aside from mechanics and sample promotional campaign layout, Pasobillo said.

Pasobillo added that business establishments must wait for three (3) working days before conducting the promo for discount, premium, and redemption while 10 working days must be observed for raffle and competition. 

Pasobillo highlighted that business establishments can obtain a mother permit to shorten the time of application. 

"If you have a mother permit, you may apply for a sub-permit within seven (7) days. There's no need to wait for the 30 -day rule," she said. 

Fines will be issued to business establishments that fail to comply with the guidelines provided, starting from P500 to P300,000 based on the capitalization and additional fine of not more than P1,000 for each day of continuing violation. 

She advised the public to be responsible in joining promo campaigns and on their purchases in physical stores or online.

"When joining a raffle, provide complete and accurate information. Also, be cautious in buying promo products near expiry date. You have to ask yourself if you can consume your purchases before buying a product on sale or on discount," Pasobillo said. 

She also added that as a consumer, they have the final decision if they will avail the products that are offered on sale.

Pasobillo also reminded the public to know their rights and responsibilities as consumers. 

"We must be vigilant on our purchases. We must be careful on promo campaigns or promises that seem too good to be true," she said.

For other concerns or inquiries you may reach out to our contact no. 091892665 or 052-2014-88 or you may visit DTI Albay Facebook Page.  (With the reports from Dianna Rose R. Badong and Clarisse E. Gabriel, BU Interns- PIA5/Albay)

Cover photo: Courtesy of DTI Albay