Senator Win Gatchalian said both customers and merchants alike are expected to enjoy better protection when shopping online as the Senate approved on third and final reading a proposed measure that intends to address several uncertainties encountered by both online consumers and businesses when buying and selling online. The measure will provide an effective regulation for consumer protection in business-to-business and business-to-consumer internet transactions.
“Importante na mapalakas ang kumpiyansa ng ating mga mamimili pati na rin ang mga maliliit na negosyante sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng sapat na proteksyon sa pagpasok sa iba’t-ibang internet transactions dahil susi ito sa pagpapalago ng ekonomiya,” Gatchalian said following the chamber’s approval of Senate Bill 1846 or the Internet Transactions Act which, once enacted into law, will tackle uncertainties often faced by consumers and businesses online to ensure a more secure online marketplace. The measure has been certified urgent by President Marcos.
Specifically, the measure intends to promote and maintain a robust e-commerce environment in the country by building trust between online merchants and consumers, recognizing the value and potential of the digital economy, and the need to establish secure and reliable e-commerce platforms, said Gatchalian, co-author of the bill.
According to him, the measure lays down the rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties in internet transactions, including the online consumer, online merchant and the digital platform or e-marketplace. It also empowers the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take appropriate actions in response to any violations of the law’s provisions, particularly in the use of the internet for conducting e-commerce by e-marketplaces, online merchants, e-retailers, digital platforms, and third-party platforms. It also provides for the establishment of an online dispute resolution mechanism for all stakeholders involved in internet or e-commerce transactions.
“Kailangan nating siguraduhin na maisasabatas ang isang epektibong regulasyon para sa mga online internet transactions upang matiyak na may sapat na proteksyon ang mga mamimili at mga negosyante na gagamit ng internet sa pagbili at pagbebenta ng iba’t ibang goods at services,” Gatchalian emphasized.
The House of Representatives approved its own version of the measure in December last year.
