MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced the start of the implementation of the "Lemon Law" that will protect brand new buyers from defective vehicles.
One of the pertinent provisions of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) is the mechanism for complaints up to the adjudication process.
A complaint can have four attempts at bringing up the defect of the vehicle to the DTI before a final decision can be made by the DTI secretary.
Under the process of mediation, the consumer has to demonstrate the defect in the presence of the dealer; the dealer receives and accepts the defect; dealer then tells the consumer the estimated time it takes to repair, but it has to be within 15 days; and the consumer will then authorize the repair and wait for 15 days.
If the defect recurs, another complaint can be brought to the DTI until the fourth attempt is exhausted.
If the defect occurs again, the fifth complaint will be elevated to the DTI secretary, whose decision becomes final and unappealable.
"The Lemon Law did not take the warranty period, it does not impair the rights of the consumers," said Trade Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba, emphasizing that the warranty period will still be observed hand in hand with the provisions of the Lemon Law.
According to Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, it's possible that the DTI will publish the list of car brands that have many complaints under the Lemon Law, if it becomes necessary.
Car manufacturers group CAMPI, on the other hand, said the law will bridge the gap between consumer and the auto industry and realize what customer satisfaction is.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
