MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announces decisive actions in response to complaints raised by the consumer rights group, Malayang Konsyumer, regarding Dali Everyday Grocery, a local retail market.

In a letter dated 20 May 2024, DTI reassured Malayang Konsyumer spokesperson Atty. Simoun Antonio Salinas that the Department was actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices at Dali Stores. This investigation is part of DTI’s commitment to uphold consumer protection by ensuring fair and ethical business practices across the market.

Additionally, DTI has also forwarded a portion of Malayang Konsyumer’s concerns to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), seeking further action in inspecting sanitary regulations, weighing scale issues, and other relevant matters.

Dali Everyday Grocery, along with other establishments, undergoes routine monitoring to ensure compliance with the Price Act and other relevant trade and industry laws. Notably, all 82 Dali branches monitored have complied with the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) and Price Tag Law during routine checks from January to April 2024.

As the lead agency enforcing the Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, DTI is responsible for monitoring the prices and supply of essential products like canned fish, marine products, processed milk, coffee, bread, salt, laundry soap, detergent, and candles, as well as prime commodities including flour, processed and canned meats, poultry, noodles, condiments, and school supplies.

Whenever stock keeping units are found to be priced above the SRP, the DTI issues letters of inquiry to the concerned establishments, allowing them to explain their pricing decisions. If supermarkets or groceries are found selling goods at prices over 10 percent above the monitored price, the DTI issues show cause orders. These orders require the establishment to explain the pricing discrepancy, as this can be seen as prima facie evidence of profiteering.

DTI encourages consumers to actively file complaints against potential violators of the Price Act. Complaints should be filed by the individual involved in the consumer transaction and should include supporting evidence such as receipts or photographs.

Consumers can report unusual business practices through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or by email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph. Complaints may also be filed electronically through the Philippine Online Dispute Resolution System at podrs.dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 30 May 2024

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