Question & AnswerQ&A (DTI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 16)
The term 'Secretary' refers to the Secretary of Trade and Industry.
Consumer organizations are groups of consumers with voluntary membership whose objective is to protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable trade acts and practices or other acts prejudicial to consumer interests.
For municipalities, a minimum of 30 members; for cities, a minimum of 50 members is required to apply for accreditation.
They must submit certified copies of Articles of Incorporation and By-laws, Certificate of Registration from the SEC, SEC certification of good standing, list of trustees, officers and members with addresses, and other documents the DTI may require.
Grounds include false membership claims, performing acts prejudicial to consumers, supporting sales promotions of businesses, making false statements in documents or hearings, and violations of LOI 1337 or these rules.
Yes, the cancellation of the organization's SEC Certificate of Registration automatically cancels the Certificate of Accreditation.
They may either require the submission of original/certified Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Registration, and SEC certification; or accept the consumer organization's Certificate of Accreditation as proof of qualification.
The decision becomes final and executory after 15 days unless an appeal is filed with the Secretary within that period. The appellant files a verified memorandum and the Secretary's decision is final after 15 days unless appealed to court.