THE CASE OF THE MISSING CRATES
By Lita T. Logarta, Kilusang ng mga Mamimili ng Pilipinas, Ink.
The Times Journal, July 7, 1979, Consumers' Report

With MA, an engineering student of the University of Bohol, the problem was beer. He was on his second bottle, as a guest at a beer-drinking "spree" given by TM of Tagbilaran City in his store, when he suddenly threw up. He had to be hospitalized, in fact. Examination of the beer left in the bottle showed "some dirty particles," as MA's lawyer wrote KMPI. A complaint, he said, had been lodged with the SMC Brewery manager, Mandaue City, Cebu.

KMPI, in answer, asked the complainants: Has SMC replied and extended redress to the aggrieved consumer? Will he be satisfied with an apology and a refund or exchange of the polluted bottles of beer? Or does he want to file suit for damages? In the latter case, the remaining unopened bottle will have to undergo proffesional laboratory analysis to identify the offending substance or foreign matter. The Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry of the Ateneo de Manila University can conduct this test for a fee. The analysis report can be used in court if the need arises.

When last heard from, complainants' lawyer said they were holding in abeyance formal complaint in court until any possible extrajudicial settlement could be reached.