PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Palawan reported six complaints resolved related to online transactions and encouraged local consumers to seek assistance through reporting at their office.

Provincial Director Hazel Salvador said that DTI immediately notifies the establishment within a three-day span to arrange mediation and arbitration. Out of six complaints from January to September 2023, the department transferred four to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a thorough investigation, including an online scam.

Most of the complaints handled by DTI involved failure of delivery, delivery of the wrong item, or defective items.

“Mabilis lang, kung may complaints ay pumunta lang sa opisina ng DTI at dalhin lang ang resibo. Kailangan may proof kasi hindi kami tumatanggap na wala kasi mahirap patunayan. Baka sabihin ng establishment ay sinisiraan, ikukwento nyo kung ano ang nangyari,” she said.

Salvador assured that most of the complaints received by DTI were settled and resolved between the seller and the consumer.

She emphasized the need to bring a receipt as proof of purchase from the store.

“Sinasabi ng mamimili na defective after three days, nasira agad ang gamit, pinapalitan naman. Ang mga establishment natin kapag kinausap naman natin sila nang maayos ay pumapayag sila sa kagustuhan ng mamimili,” she added.

Meanwhile, the department has started to notice the display of Noche Buena packages in stores in the city of Puerto Princesa and some towns in Palawan. DTI is yet to release the new list of suggested retail prices for commodities included. (RG/PIA Mimaropa-Palawan)