MANILA -- The Implemented Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Republic Act. No 10642 or the Philippine Lemon Law takes effect that will improve consumer protection in purchasing brand new motor vehicles, a government press release said.

In a briefing Thursday, Department of Trade and Industry-Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said the department released Wednesday the IRR on the Lemon Law that took effect immediately after publication.

The IRR grants the consumer and the car dealer to have final or fifth repair attempt if the latter failed to repair the same defect of a vehicle after four attempts.

The Lemon Law rights, however, are effective within one-year period only from the date of original delivery of the vehicle to the consumer or up to 20,000 kilometers of operation after deliver, whichever comes first.

The DTI said the Lemon Law provides faster service for consumers as the IRR cited that car dealers shall repair a specific complaint after 15 days.

“If repair was completed in excess of 15 days, the excess period shall be added to the Lemon Law Rights Period of the motor vehicles,” the IRR mentioned.

The IRR also noted that if the consumer has accepted the repaired motor vehicle and did not return within 15 days from release, this means the repair is deemed accepted by the consumer.

However, if the dealer is not successful in repairing the vehicle in the final attempt, the consumer has the right to refund or to a new unit.

Dimagiba noted that the Lemon Law provides new rights for consumers aside from warranty.

The IRR also says that to avail of the Lemon Law rights, one must provide the necessary documents that include warranty or service booklet; current motor vehicle registration; all repair or job order invoices; and stamped Notice of Availment received by the dealer.*PNA

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