Republic of the Phil
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3708

H. No.

Introduced by Representative Estrellita “Ging” B. Suansing

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the policy of the State under Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) 7394 or “The
Consumer Act of the Philippines” (April 13, 1992) ‘to protect the interest of the consumer,
promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and

industry.”

“Towards this end, the State shall implement measures to achieve the
following objectives:

protection against hazards to health and safety;

protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts

and practices;

‘c. provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and
the proper exercise of rights by the consumer,

“d. provision of adequate rights and means of redress; and

'e. involvement of consumer representatives in the formulation of social

and econornic policies.”

Buttressing the objective of the same law is its Article 3, to wit;

“ARTICLE 3. Construction - The best interest of the consumer shall be
considered in the interpretation and implementation of the provisions of this
Act, including its implementing rules and regulations.”

By analogy, the State peiicy provided under Section 2 of this Act mandates the
promotion of the general welfare of the people and in pursuance thereto, seeks the
protection of their health whenever they purchase fresh or processed meat, seafood or

poultry from retail food stores.


‘Among the objectives of this Act is the posting of “Notice of Packaging Date for
Meats, Poultry and Seafood”, essentially notifying patrons of their right to know where and
when a given food product was cut and packaged; store practices in relation to the date
marked on the product, and the assistance which the store will provide relating to any

question on the product

The bill also provides for punitive measures for violation of any of its provisions;
highlighting its serious bid to protect and promote the general well-being of Filipinos.

In light of the aforementioned, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Rep. ESTRELLITA “GING” B/ SUANSING
1" District, Nueva Ecij


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3708

H. Res. No.

Introduced by Representative Estrellita “Ging” B. Suansing

AN ACT
REQUIRING RETAIL FOOD STORES TO POST CONSPICUOUSLY NOTICES OF
PACKAGING DATES FOR FRESH OR PROCESSED MEAT, SEAFOOD AND
POULTRY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Retail Food Store Notice of
Date of Packaging Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the
general welfare of the people. Pursuant to this policy, this Act seeks to protect people from
sicknesses as a result of consuming fresh or processed meat, seafood, or poultry purchased
from retail food stores.

SECTION 3. Definition of Retail Food Store. - As used in this Act, the term "retail
food store” means any store selling food at retail, which store is not primarily engaged in the
sale of food for consumption on the premises.

SECTION 4. Posting of Notice of Packaging Date for Meats, Poultry and
Seafood. - All retail food store which offers for sale fresh or processed meats, poultry or
‘seafood shall conspicuously post a sign situated so as to be clearly visible to any consumer
inspecting such product. The sign shall read:

"Notice: You have the right to know where and when fresh or processed
meats, poultry or seafood offered for sale were cut and packaged. In addition,
you have the right to know what store practices are in relation to the date
marked on such products. If you have any questions regarding the packaging
of these products, please see the store management or personnel for
assistance.”

Such sign shall be printed with lettering that is legible and shall be three-fourths (3/4)
of an inch boldface type.


SECTION 5. Penalties. - A violation of any of the provisions of this Act shall be
punishable by a fine not exceeding Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00). Failure to comply
with the provisions of the Act for the second time shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding
Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00). Thereafter, succeeding violations shall be punishable by
a fine not exceeding Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00), in addition to a fine of One
Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) for every day that the retail food store fails to comply with the
provisions of this Act

Any posting or relaying of false packaging information by any retail food store or by
anyone acting in its behalf shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding Fifty Thousand Pesos
(P50,000.00). If the retail food store is owned or operated by a corporation, partnership, sole
proprietor, limited partnership or association, the entity's responsible officers, including, but
not limited to, the president, vice-president, chief executive officer, general manager,
managing director or officer directly responsible therefore shall be solidarily liable with the
retail food store if any of them are found to have knowingly consented to such posting or
relaying of false packaging information.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part thereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting,

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,