During the recent observance of World Consumer Rights Day, the watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition asked political candidates to bare their Consumer Protection Agenda.

Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste coordinator and a member of the Green Thumb Coalition, said they expected those running for elective positions to initiate measures that would advance the eight basic rights of consumers, particularly the deprived and poor.

These rights, as identified by the global consumer movement, are: basic needs, safety, information, choice, to be heard, redress, consumer education, and a healthy environment.

On the need for a healthy environment, EcoWaste expressed the hope that candidates would help consumers assert their right to clean air, safe water, renewable energy sources and waste-free, toxic-free ecosystems.

Lucero said they also hope that those elected to either the Lower or Upper House of the legislature would support amendments to strengthen the Consumer Act of the Philippines and pass laws to localize the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP).

She pointed out that stronger consumer protection laws would prevent market abuse, ensure fair play and justice, and safeguard public health and the environment.

EcoWaste Coalition welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly in December of the revised UNGCP which, among other things, acknowledged “access to essential goods and services, and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers as new consumer legitimate needs.”

Consumers International said, “Adequate consumer protection can directly support the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals relating to ending hunger and improving nutrition by supporting access to safe, affordable and healthy diets, to health and well-being by protecting consumers from unsafe products that cause illness or injury, and expanding access to effective pharmaceuticals.”

Holy Week mall schedule

Most Robinsons Malls will be closed Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (March 24-25). On Maundy Thursday, only Robinsons Place Antipolo, Luisita, Malolos, Pangasinan, Palawan, Santiago, Robinsons Starmills and Summit Ridge Promenade will be open.

All Robinsons malls are closed on Good Friday except for Robinsons Place Antipolo, Luisita and Summit Ridge Promenade.

Regular operations in all Robinsons Malls will resume on Black Saturday.

Apple cider vinegar supply

Readers who have been asking when Bragg Apple Cider vinegar will be back in grocery and supermarket shelves will be glad to know that new stocks have arrived.

Chito M. Fabicon, procurement manager of JIA2 Corp., Bragg distributor in the Philippines, said the vinegar should be available by now at SM, Robinsons, Puregold, Shopwise, etc.

But Fabicon said the available variant would be the 32 ounces, retailing for around P340. The variant is twice the size (16 oz) of what Filipino consumers usually buy.

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