MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives (HOR) on Monday (November 23) approved on third and final reading House Bill 7805 or the proposed ‘Internet Transactions Act’.
The bill seeks to regulate commercial transactions in the Internet and protect Filipino consumers from fraud and abuses especially with the increase in online transactions due to prevailing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic.
The bill applies to the following activities:
- internet retail of consumer goods and services;
- online travel services;
- online media providers;
- ride hailing services; and
- digital financial services.
The bill also proposes the creation of an e-Commerce Code of conduct which guarantees equal application of rights of consumers and merchants with all “honesty, integrity and fairness at all times.”
Accurate information about the goods and services being offered should be assured and should conform to the Philippine regulatory standards.
The bill also proposes the creation of an electronic commerce (eCommerce) Bureau that will be tasked to implement the provisions of the proposed law and will operate under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Its tasks include implementation, monitoring and ensuring compliance to the Internet Transactions Act, among other duties and responsibilities.
As for ride hailing partners, the bill mandates riders or delivery personnel to treat customers fairly and honestly the same way that consumers are warned not to “shame, demean, embarrass or humiliate” them.
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