Consumer rights champion and former DTI Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario “Vic” Dimagiba, President of Laban Konsyumer Inc., has joined our loving Creator on 13 September 2022. As a respected advocacy partner of the EcoWaste Coalition, we remember and thank Atty. Vic for his earnest efforts to promote and protect consumer access to essential goods and services, as well as safe products that do not pose hazards to human health and the environment. We specifically thank Atty. Vic for joining the EcoWaste Coalition, together with 20 mothers, in filing a petition for a writ of mandamus in 2018 to compel the belated enforcement of the requirements of Republic Act 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act.
We further thank and honor Atty. Vic for the clarity and firmness of his positions on matters affecting the interest and well-being of consumers and the planet:
On the proper labeling of toys: “Compliance to the mandatory toy labeling requirements has to be improved to serve the interest of consumers. We therefore urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take all the necessary steps to put RA 10620 into force, including informing the public about the outcome of their compliance monitoring efforts. Complete, clear and readable labels are critical for identifying appropriate and non-hazardous toys. Labels can also serve as tools that consumers can use in the exercise of their right to seek redressal against unfair or unsatisfactory trade practices and other grievances.”
On lead in paint products: “Another essential labeling information that a paint product should have is the information about its lead content, which should not exceed the regulatory limit of 90 parts per million (this limit applies to all types of paints). Such information will help consumers in differentiating products that conform or not with the country’s lead paint regulation… I hope stakeholders’ efforts to make lead paint history will further continue and get supported. The world has successfully phased out leaded petrol following a 19-year campaign by UNEP and its partners. The global phase-out of leaded paints should come next!”
On the online trade of mercury-containing cosmetics: “It’s regrettable that the 18th Congress failed to pass the Internet Transactions Act, an indispensable enforcement tool. It’s time for government regulators to crack the whip to halt the illegal sale of dangerous products online and ensure consumer health and safety. E-commerce companies, with their vast resources, should be able to employ enough personnel to monitor their sites and keep toxic products at bay.”
On single-use plastics (SUPs) and plastic pollution: “We need a strong policy in the form of a Republic Act that will provide a general framework, direction and timeline toward phasing out SUPs on a national scale within a reasonable period… The roadmap towards a strong plastic treaty has been set. It is now up to the world’s governments and stakeholders to engage and ensure that the final treaty will be strong or even stronger to truly beat the plastic pollution.”
To the family of Atty. Vic and the women and men of Laban Konsyumer Inc.: We grieve with you over your loss and offer our prayers during this most difficult time.
Maraming salamat po Atty. Vic Dimagiba. Hindi po namin kayo malilimutan.