Government, stakeholders welcome approval of ITA

MANILA, Philippines — Both the government and private sector stakeholders are welcoming the passage of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA), saying that this will develop the e-commerce industry while protecting consumers.

In a statement yesterday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual stressed that under the ITA, powers are provided to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that will allow it to effectively protect consumers against unfair practices done online.

“We are particularly looking forward to the creation of an ecommerce bureau that will also provide the DTI much needed resources, and promote e-commerce in the country,” Pascual said.

The ITA mandates the DTI through the e-commerce bureau to create an online business database that will provide government and consumers access to information of businesses selling online.

The e-commerce bureau shall also encourage the establishment of an e-commerce trust mark in close collaboration with the private sector and maintain a government-wide online consumer complaint tracking system that will be actively monitored by the DTI.

“RA 11967 also sets the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Trade and Industry over internet transactions and provides it with powers and authority to issue compliance orders against violators, subpoena, the take down order of websites, including the blacklisting of online businesses,” the DTI said.

It added that liabilities of online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces and digital platforms were also set, including penalties for violators.

Similarly, various private sector groups welcomed the passage of the ITA, including the Philippine Retailers’ Association (PRA).

“The PRA welcomes the signing of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA). This will ensure the level playing field between traditional and online retailing to benefit Filipino consumers and merchants in the changing omnichannel environment,” PRA president Roberto Claudio said.

E-commerce firms such as Lazada, Shopee, Zalora and Grab Philippines have also welcomed the passage of the ITA.

“This Act will propel our continued efforts to create a safer online experience for sellers and buyers on our platform. We remain committed to collaborate with the government, especially the DTI and industry peers to help ensure the successful implementation of this landmark Act, and pave the way for a future defined by secure, innovative, and thriving e-Commerce for Filipinos,” Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera said.