THE Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act 11967) is now in full effect, following the end of its 18-month transition period on June 20, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
The law gives DTI the authority to issue takedown orders against online listings of illegal goods and services. It also holds owners of digital platforms accountable for violations if they fail to act on illicit activities on their site.
The transition period allowed all affected online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces, and digital platforms to comply with the requirements of the law.
“Our goal is to give every Filipino consumer peace of mind when they shop online, while ensuring that legitimate local entrepreneurs and MSMEs are protected from unfair competition and illicit trade,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
RA 11967 requires all e-marketplaces, e-retailers, and online merchants to disclose prices, brand name, description, condition, and the owner’s contact details for all goods and services offered. The platforms must operate accessible and equitable secure payment systems, consumer redress mechanisms, and comply with stringent data privacy standards.
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To ensure compliance, the DTI’s E-Commerce Bureau may issue subpoenas to compel individuals and businesses under investigation to produce relevant documents. However, the agency clarified it will coordinate with other regulatory bodies which maintain primary jurisdiction over specific goods or services.
The law is supported by Joint Administrative Order 24-03 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations issued on May 24, 2024, and developed by DTI in collaboration with the Departments of Information and Communications Technology, Agriculture, Health, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the National Privacy Commission.
The DTI added it is developing a Philippine E-Commerce Trustmark as a seal of quality to be issued to compliant and trustworthy online businesses.