25/09/2024
The Supreme Court has ruled that buyers of defective brand-new motor vehicles may choose to enforce their rights under any available law.
The Supreme Courtโs Second Division, in a Decision written by Associate Justice Antonio Kho, Jr., ruled that Republic Act No. 10642 or the Philippine Lemon Law (Lemon Law), which applies to brand-new vehicles, is not an exclusive remedy.
The Lemon Law allows the manufacturer, distributor or dealer at least four separate repair attempts before replacing the defective vehicle. On the other hand, the Consumer Act, which applies to durable and non-durable consumer products in general, gives the supplier 30 days to correct the defective product.
The Court ruled there is nothing that prevents a consumer from availing of the remedies under the Consumer Act or any other law if the subject of the complaint is a brand-new vehicle.
The Lemon Law is an alternative remedy granted to the consumer who is free to choose to enforce their rights under any applicable law.
Read the full press release: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-lemon-law-not-exclusive-remedy-for-defective-brand-new-vehicles/
Read the full text of the Decision: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/254978-79-department-of-trade-and-industry-vs-toyota-balintawak-inc-and-toyota-motor-phils-corp/
