DIY or Die: Repairable electronics, anyone?

The Right to Repair movement advocates for consumers’ legal rights to repair and modify their own devices, including electronics, automobiles, and agricultural equipment. This concept has gained momentum as a response to the increasing difficulty consumers face when trying to repair their own products due to restrictive practices by manufacturers.

The Right to Repair refers to the principle that end users should have the ability to repair their devices without undue restrictions from manufacturers. Key goals of this movement include Repair-friendly Design: Devices should be designed for easy repair, avoiding the use of proprietary screws or excessive adhesives that complicate disassembly.

Consumers and independent repair shops should have access to necessary parts and tools at fair prices. Manufacturers should not restrict repairs through software locks or proprietary updates that prevent third-party repairs. Manufacturers should also provide clear information about how repairable a device is, including manuals and schematics.

In the Philippines, there is currently no specific law that directly mirrors the Right to Repair movement as seen in other countries, particularly in the United States and parts of Europe. However, there are emerging legislative efforts aimed at promoting similar principles.

The Philippines has laws that protect consumer rights, such as the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 7394), which provides general protections against deceptive practices and ensures product safety. Additionally, RA 10642, known as the Philippine Lemon Law, specifically addresses consumer rights concerning defective vehicles, allowing for repairs or replacements under certain conditions. While these laws provide some level of consumer protection, they do not explicitly grant a right to repair electronic devices or other products.

Recently, there has been a push for more formal recognition of the Right to Repair within Philippine legislation. A notable proposal is Senate Bill 1481, introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. This bill aims to promote the right to repair digital electronic products by ensuring that consumers have access to necessary tools, parts, and information for repairs. The proposed legislation seeks to empower consumers by allowing them to choose how and where to repair their devices, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability. (To be continued)