MANILA, PHILIPPINES — “Trustmark indicates that products, goods, or services sold online can be trusted only if the symbol, image, or badge issued or awarded is certified by the relevant authority. shall be shown.”
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering developing an e-commerce trustmark as part of the government's efforts to protect consumers from scammers and fraudsters.
The development of the E-Commerce Philippines Trustmark to inform consumers that goods and services sold online are trustworthy implements the rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) This is one of the provisions of the draft.
“To provide assurance of safety and security in Internet transactions, the DTI shall encourage the development of an e-commerce Philippine Trustmark established and operated by an industry-led private sector governance body,” the DTI said. It is stated in the draft. Rules and Regulations (IRR).
“The Trustmark shall indicate that products, goods or services sold online are trustworthy, as long as the symbol, image or badge issued or awarded is certified by the relevant authority.” he added.
DTI said Trustmark will act as a co-regulatory mechanism and will be subject to guidelines, rules and regulations.
The Department of Trade said it would issue minimum requirements and operating standards for industry-led private sector governance bodies.
“DTI provides benefits and incentives, such as reduced sanctions, accelerated registration/accreditation, or accreditation, to entities that display the Trustmark, encouraging compliance with standards and creating a culture of trust in e-commerce. ,” the trade department said. Said.
It added that the responsibilities of the governing body include setting minimum standards, designing trustmarks, overseeing compliance with established standards, and providing alternative dispute resolution systems in the event of non-compliance.
The DTI said it will establish an e-commerce promotion council and establish a joint regulatory mechanism through the issuance of separate regulations.
The ITA, signed by President Marcos last December, aims to build trust in e-commerce by providing a regulatory framework to protect both consumers and sellers.
DTI is seeking public comments on the draft regulations until March 12.
Earlier this week, Undersecretary of Trade Mary Jean Pacheco told reporters she hoped to complete the IRR within 90 days, by March 19.
The ITA, through the Electronic Commerce Bureau, requires the DTI to create an online business database that gives the government and consumers access to information about businesses selling online.
The department shall also work closely with the private sector to encourage the establishment of e-commerce trustmarks and maintain a government-wide online consumer complaint tracking system that will be actively monitored by DTI.
“RA 11967 also establishes the Department of Trade and Industry’s regulatory jurisdiction over Internet transactions and the power and authority to issue compliance orders, subpoenas, and website takedown orders against violators, including blacklisting of online businesses. ,” the DTI said. I said it earlier.
It added that the responsibilities of online sellers, e-retailers, e-marketplaces and digital platforms have also been established, including penalties for violators.
Pacheco expressed confidence that online marketplace platforms will comply with the new law.
“We are confident that our marketplace platform will comply. We will comply because the law says so. Because remember, the law is about building trust.” Pacheco said.
When selling regulated products, marketplace platforms must ensure that sellers have the necessary licenses.
“Therefore, marketplace platforms must enable sellers within the platform to sell these products,” she added.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said earlier that the law empowers the DTI to effectively protect consumers from unfair trade practices that take place online.
“We particularly welcome the creation of an Electronic Commerce Authority, which will also provide the DTI with much-needed resources, both human and financial, in carrying out our mandate to develop and promote electronic commerce in the country. I'm looking forward to it,” Pascual said.
