Photo credit: Malayang Konsyumer

An active consumer advocate group has lodged a complaint with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding grievances raised by Filipino consumers against a hard discount retailer.

In a letter dated May 16, 2024, addressed to the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the DTI, the Malayang Konsyumer (MK) detailed questionable and dubious practices by Dali Everyday Grocery in its operations.

These include allegations of placing ice on chickens to increase weight, selling chicken with worms, vending counterfeit products (such as honey), and disrespectful treatment of customers by staff.

The letter, signed by Atty. Simoun Salinas, the spokesperson of MK, was personally submitted on Thursday to the office of Mr. Jansen Magsano, the convenor of the organization, at the FTEB.

"These are just some of the complaints we've gathered through our diligent research, engagement with other consumer groups, and extensive monitoring on social media," said Atty. Salinas.

The MK spokesperson emphasized that complaints against Dali have been ongoing since 2021, with the company's Facebook page now flooded with negative comments. However, the management and staff of the establishment seem indifferent to these concerns.

"We call on the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau of the DTI. We believe in the Malayang Konsyumer's principle that every Filipino consumer deserves to have their complaints heard regarding any product and service offered in the market. And we strongly believe that every Filipino has the right to safe, decent, and reliable purchasing of products," stressed Salinas.

Malayang Konsyumer is a multi-sectoral consumer policy protection grassroots organization advocating for the protection, rights, and welfare of Filipino consumers.