The Department of Trade and Industry has announced that Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, is now in full effect following the end of its transitory period on June 20. It means that all e-marketplaces and online sellers must disclose the price, brand name, description, condition, and the seller’s details for all goods and services offered.
At the same time, online selling platforms must operate “accessible and equitable” consumer redress systems, secure payment methods, and robust data protection standards.
The DTI said it would start issuing takedown orders against online shops that sell illegal goods and services now that the full enforcement of the e-commerce law has begun.
“Our goal is to give every Filipino consumer peace of mind when they shop online, while ensuring that our thousands of legitimate local entrepreneurs and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) are protected from unfair competition and illicit trade,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
Latest available data showed that the number of consumer complaints received by the DTI went up by 3 percent in 2023, or a total of 28,824 complaints. Most of those involved “deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable” sales acts and practices, according to the DTI.
As online selling and e-marketplaces have broadened and globalized the market, it has come with pros, as well as cons. If we are to maximize the benefits, the disadvantages and threats, which are just as plentiful, will have to be addressed. Government initiatives such as the e-commerce law can help, but it will only be effective if it is fueled by the customer complaints which is the only way unscrupulous sellers and merchants are exposed. As long as those who have been duped or scammed remain silent, the authorities will not be able to act accordingly.
This is the sort of public-private cooperation that is often necessary to ensure that our society makes the most of new or developing technologies, by ensuring that we get more of the good than the bad.*
