No Expiry Date For Gift Certificates

No Expiry Date For Gift Certificates

To all business establishments:

Ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Please read...

Pursuant to DTI Administrative Order No. 10-04 on the Guidelines on the Issuance, Use and Redemption of Gift Checks, Certificates or Gift Cards in accordance with Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and for other Purposes

Starting 01 July 2012, all suppliers, issuers, distributors and sellers are prohibited to issue and/or sell gift certificates/check/cards with an expiry date. 

However, gift certificates/checks/cards that are distributed to consumers under awards, loyalty, or promotional programs are not covered.

All gift checks/certificates/cards with no expiry dates shall be redeemable until used by the bearer.

Holders of unused and unexpired gift check/ certificates/ cards after June 30, 2012 shall be entitled to replacement after revalidation by suppliers.

Terms and conditions of unused gift checks/ certificates/ cards issued before the effectivity of this order shall be honored; but those bearing expiry dates beyond June 30, 2012 shall be subject to revalidation or replacement.

Goods and services that are paid with gift certificates/check/card are qualified in promotional sales activities, loyalty programs, warranties, return policies for cash purchases, and discounts for senior citizens/persons with disability.

The suppliers cannot be held liable for gift certificates/ checks/ cards under that are: 

(a) lost due to no fault of the supplier; and
(b) mutilated or defaced due to no fault of the supplier and such damage prevents the supplier from identifying the security and authenticity features thereof.