House to probe into financing firms

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MANILA — A veteran lawmaker on Saturday said that Trade and Industry Chairman and Las Pinas Rep. Mark Villar had agreed to calendar his resolution to investigate the malpractices of various financing companies in the country.

BUHAY party list Rep. Irwin Tieng, author of House Resolution 932, said various financing companies are engaged in different malpractices to the disadvantage not only of the consumers but of the legitimate sellers as well.

“These practices of unscrupulous financing companies in deceiving sellers for their personal gain should be stopped,” Tieng said in disgust.

Tieng, who lobbied to calendar his resolution said financing companies are primarily designed to facilitate financing for consumers making huge purchases like vehicle and equipment.

He said the transfer of ownership of the subject of sale to the buyer is an essential requirement of the financing companies prior to the release of the full payment.

“The subject of sale is subsequently encumbered in favor of the financing companies for the latter’s security against the buyer,” Tieng said.

Tieng cited the case of Radiowealth Finance Company, which is facing cases of default payments to the sellers.

He said upon the release of the equipment subject or financing to the buyer, Radiowealth willfully refuses to pay the total purchase price, resulting in significant loss of the seller’s business.

The three-termer lawmaker said the Radiowealth is liable to the seller on the basis that it guaranteed full payment of the property subject to financing and has the right and obligation to collect from the buyer-borrower.

According to Tieng the Financing Company Act of 1996 or Republic Act 8556 refers to a corporation engaged in extending credit facilities to consumers and to industrial and agricultural enterprises.

Financing companies are allowed to engage in direct lending or by discounting commercial papers, buying and selling contracts and leases chattel mortgages.