THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday that it will conduct an immediate investigation into complaints it received concerning the Circus Music Festival.
“The DTI has confirmed receiving complaints regarding the Circus Music Festival’s alleged deceptive sales practices, specifically the failure to deliver promised services and freebies included with ticket purchases,” it said in an advisory.
“In line with its consumer protection mandate, the DTI will conduct an immediate investigation to ensure a fair and prompt resolution for all parties involved,” it added.
According to the DTI, it has received 42 complaints in connection with the festival.
“The DTI … is contacting the event organizer to seek an explanation and address the consumer grievances,” it added.
Under DTI Department Administrative Order No. 06, businesses found to have practiced deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales are subject to administrative fines of up to P300,000 and may be compelled to refund actual damages.
The Circus Music Festival, which took place on March 29, promised platinum ticket holders free items including hoodies valued at P1,000 each, t-shirts valued at P500, bucket hats valued at P350, tote bags valued at P150, and snacks.
Tickets for the event were P1,999 for platinum tier and P999 for gold.
Circus Music Festival announced a day before the event that it will not be able to distribute the full set of free items due to “unexpected supply issues from suppliers.”
“To ensure fairness, we will be equally distributing the available freebies among all platinum ticket holders while supplies last,” the organizer said in a Facebook post on March 28.
On that day, Circus Music Festival limited the distribution of free items to attendees that bought tickets between October and January.
The organizer has since said: “Unfortunately, the supplier is making false claims and shifting the blame onto Circus Music Festival for their shortcomings.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile