News Updates

CONSUMER WATCH-BOHOL, Inc. BEGINS OUTREACH

CWBI has begun in earnest this week its information/education drive for consumers as one of its advocacies. This organization is the outreach arm of Holy Name University Alumni Association of Tagbilaran, Inc. (HNUAATI) and was formally organized last February this year. Consumer Watch-Bohol, Inc. has been organized to watch unfair practices in the marketplace, protect consumers who may be victims of exploitation and to become a partner with government and non-government organizations or agencies for the welfare of consumers.

The very first educational seminar-workshop conducted by CWBI was held at the Dao Sta. Cruz Parish here in the city last Sept. 12 attended by 56 parishioners led by Mons. Gabino Lerin (parish priest), Mons. Cirilo D. Darunday, Jr. (resident priest), and members of the Parish Pastoral Council led by its president, Mr. Aurelio Luzon. The activity was also lauded by Dao barangay captain, Mr. Atoy Cosap who gave a very inspiring talk. The focus of the seminar was on consumer rights and responsibilities. DTI also sent its representative, Ms. Cording Erano who gave an intriguing exercise on who is a well-informed or educated consumer. Main lecturer was Ms. Rose B. Zacal of Holy Name University.

On the same event, CWBI launched a Consumer Watch Hotline where anybody can text any malpractice, any kind of exploitation, cheating, overpricing, unfair treatment or any other unscrupulous practices that either he or anybody he knows has been a victim of. The number to call is: 09272141611. Text should include the complaint, place, date. At the end of the week, complaints are tabulated and collated. The establishment concerned will be notified and negotiations will be initiated by CWBI.

The organization not only aims to help consumers but business establishments, as well. CWBI has available resources to conduct customer service seminars intended for employees of stores, offices or business establishments to improve the way customers are best served. Other seminars to address particular needs can also be requested.

CWBI is new. Anybody who is interested in advancing its advocacies can become a member for a minimal membership fee. CWBI can be contacted at 412-3432 or 412-3764 and ask for Alumni Center to speak with Ms. Eurie Gutierrez. Or you may call 412-2179 or 501-8217 and ask for Neneng Corales, president of CWBI.

Contributed by:
Neneng L. Corales/Eurie Gutierrez

CWBI ATTENDS TWO IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEETINGS

On Sept. 14, Consumer Watch-Bohol, Inc. attended a meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the City Sanggunian after having been invited by Vice Mayor Toto Veloso to discuss the findings of the independent study done by Kag. Beben Inting with Bohol Light Co., Inc. (BLCI). CWBI agrees and, in fact, has passed a resolution to support the veracity of Kag. Inting’s findings: that BLCI is not authorized to collect metering charge; that the actual company use shall be treated as an expense of BLCI; that, in the motion of BLCI for recovery on final rate adjustment, Kag. Inting discovered that the residential consumers are, in fact, subsidizing the commercial consumers; and that BLCI is earning income from rentals for their poles and so, Kag. Inting believes that BLCI has the obligation for the upkeep and maintenance of the cables and wires that use the poles which “hang like noodles” on the streets.

Engr. Noel Alingig, general manager of BLCI, presented explanation to support their side which, obviously, did not convince those in attendance. He, however, suggested that any complaint, resolution or other courses of action be addressed to the head office in Manila which will ultimately decide on the issue or issues at hand.

In another important meeting, CWBI was also on hand in the consultation conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) held at the Tagbilaran City Airport on Wednesday, Sept. 23, to discuss on the proposed increase of the airport terminal fee from the current P20 to P200. The organization was in solidarity with the representatives of local groups opposing such proposal on the premise that passengers now should not be burdened for future improvements. The group strongly endorsed the proposal to put the improvements and other amenities in place first. Only then can their increase the terminal fee.

CWBI, however, understood that the present P20 terminal fee is a discounted rate from the mandated P30 terminal fee of 1998. The group, therefore, signified to support the terminal fee to revert to the original P30.

The organization sent a letter to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines which was handcarried by Engr. Agnes Sudang, area manager who conducted the consultation, in which CWBI presented its stand against the terminal fee increase. Engr. Sudang promised to report back to the group here in Tagbilaran the decision of CAAP Manila in a future consultation.

(Contributed by: Neneng L. Corales/Eurie Gutierrez)