Senator Mark Villar, in charge of the trade committee, came up with Senate Bill 1846. Internet Transaction Bill ensures that all goods and services sold online are what they say they are and that e-commerce transactions are safe, reliable, and open to all consumers.
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Villar said that Section 26 of SB 1846, which talks about the liability of e-marketplaces and other digital platforms, is the most important part of the bill.
The bill imposes fines on e-marketplaces, e-retailers, online.
merchants, and digital platforms that violate consumer laws. Specific rule-breakers may face fines up to P1 million.
The bill also sets up a code of conduct for e-commerce businesses and creates an e-commerce bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry. The bureau will regulate online activities that require immediate attention.
The DTI secretary can request the e-commerce bureau to remove digital platforms (website, page, social media, ad, etc.) if advertised goods/services/products are dangerous to the public.
The e-commerce bureau will also set up and run an online business registry to keep track of all merchants on the internet. This will allow the public to check information about transactions on the internet.
In December, the House of Representatives passed a bill like this.
In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos asked Congress to pass the E-Commerce Law. Regulate e-commerce to protect consumer rights, promote fair practices, secure transactions, protect IP, and observe product standards for safety.
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