Proposed internet transactions act in senate to help Filipino online platforms, businesses

By DTI-Office of the Secretary
September 3, 2020

MAKATI CITY – Citing the need to support Filipino platforms and businesses on the Internet, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez called for the immediate passage of Senate Bill 1591, or the proposed “Internet Transactions Act,” authored by Senators Win Gatchalian and Nancy Binay.

During the joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship Chaired by Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Co-Chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano, as well as the committees on Finance and Ways and Means, Sec. Lopez noted the relevance of the proposed measure, given the growing number of online merchants and the corresponding increase in consumer complaints. He added that this will also promote and enhance consumer protection.

Sen. Imee Marcos likewise expressed support for the bill, noting how it will help define employment standards for the ‘gig economy’.

“With the bill’s regulatory framework for internet transactions, the bill will promote and support Filipino platforms and businesses based on the principle that domestic online platforms shall be treated under the law equally as offshore non-resident online platforms,” Sec. Lopez said.

“This means domestic online platforms shall be given opportunities to grow and be competitive in the digital market. What’s more, the Senate bill provides incentives to encourage newly registered online enterprises, especially during this time of pandemic, to operate above-ground,” he added.

The trade secretary also noted that the bill will protect the interests of Filipino consumers by providing them effective remedies for their complaints, even if sellers are located abroad. The bill will ensure the Philippine government’s regulatory authority over foreign platforms or sellers.

Under the proposed law, DTI shall have regulatory powers to allow for pro-active protection of Filipino consumers. This means DTI will have the authority to take down websites or issue cease-and-desist orders, which would give the government agency prompt and effective means to curtail further harm to consumers caused by websites selling illegal or dangerous products or services.

Further, DTI supports the development of the eCommerce Philippine Trustmark to provide greater public assurance of safety and security in internet transactions. Sec. Lopez further said that, “This bill will balance the interests of entrepreneurs, consumers, and the government by establishing a forum for stakeholders to raise issues and concerns surrounding e-commerce.”

“Under this measure, regulation can occur under an environment of stakeholder consultation. This regulatory approach and framework is based on experience after years of observing actual developments on the ground in the emergence of e-commerce, which can be promoted as a regional model moving forward,” he explained.