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 & merchants in the changing omnichannel environment.
 
–              ROBERTO S. CLAUDIO, PRA PRESIDENT
Secure Connections lauds the signing of the Internet Transactions Act, which emphasizes the critical need to protect consumers’ data privacy and secure online transactions, while encouraging innovation and competition among market players.
 
MARY GRACE MIRANDILLA-SANTOS, ICT POLICY ANALYST, SECURE CONNECTIONS (CYBERSECURITY POLICY ADVOCACY GROUP)
The U.P. Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation’s (UPPAF) Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (RESPOND) supported the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in advocating for the passage of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) that seeks to promote online transactions and protect both the consumer and the merchant given the increasing number of people are using online platforms to buy and sell commodities and services. The implementation of ITA will be complemented by the Philippine Online Dispute Resolution System (PODRS) that DTI developed and launched in October, with technical assistance from the USAID- supported RESPOND project, which provides a mechanism for addressing consumer complaints emanating from online transactions. RESPOND will continue its technical assistance in the rollout of PODRS especially now that a responsive and proactive Internet Transactions policy is put in place to govern the growing e-commerce market.
 
–              DR. ENRICO L. BASILIO, CHIEF OF PARTY, UPPAF RESPOND
The fintech industry welcomes the swift passage and signing into law of the Internet Transactions Act. It will not only further promote consumer protection and financial education but will also set the standards and institutionalize a code of conduct within the eCommerce ecosystem. This is a critical component toward a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. We look forward to working with DTI and BSP particularly on incentivizing digital payments to increase adoption by businesses and consumers.
 
–              LITO VILLANUEVA, FOUNDING CHAIRMAN, FINTECH ALLIANCE PHILIPPINES
I wholeheartedly give my full support to the ‘Internet Transactions Bill,’ a crucial stride towards empowering Filipino consumers and SMEs in the digital realm while upholding their privacy and security. This legislation not only guarantees the accuracy of digital transactions but also establishes a foundation for reliable, secure, and accessible e-commerce experiences, ensuring a robust and inclusive digital economy for all.
 
– JOSE PAULO SOLIMAN, BUSINESS BANKING HEAD, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, UNIONBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES
GoDigitalPilipinas wholeheartedly supports SB 1846 and HB 4, known as the Internet Transactions Act, recognizing their pivotal role in safeguarding consumers and merchants engaged in online transactions. The establishment of the Electronic Commerce Bureau is a crucial step towards ensuring a secure and thriving digital marketplace, and we commend these legislative efforts for their foresight and commitment to the advancement of e-commerce in the Philippines.
 
–              MICHELLE LIZA “MISHY” CO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GODIGITAL PILIPINAS
We are one with the Philippine Government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, for elevating the standards of Philippine e-commerce industry through the signing of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA). Grab fully supports the implementation of this new law, allowing digital platforms like Grab to further enhance our robust commitment towards the protection of every Filipino relying on technology for their everyday needs. The ITA underscores the government’s deep commitment to making digital economy sustainable and inclusive by fostering protections for all stakeholders – consumers,merchants, platforms”.
 
–              GRACE VERA CRUZ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GRAB PHILIPPINES
The Internet Transactions Act is a game changer. Ecommerce has grown dramatically since the pandemic and the ITA will help support that growth while securing the integrity of the ecosystem.
 
–       MR. PIERRE CARLO CURAY, SCMAP VICE PRESIDENT
The new ITA law will accelerate the growth of e-commerce in the Philippines. With a dedicated office overseeing the development of e-commerce, the Philippine government can now implement programs, develop activities, and craft policies further improve our e-commerce sector. More importantly, the ITA law will create a better and safer environment for e-commerce transactions where Filipinos can “add to cart” with confidence.
 
–       JEREMIAH ACENA, LOGISTICS SPECIALIST, USAID SPEED
The Internet Transactions Act will surely play a transformative role in bolstering consumer confidence, propelling the growth of the digital economy, and ultimately empowering Filipino consumers. As a leading e-commerce player, ZALORA is unwavering in its commitment to uphold the ITA’s stringent standards and aligning our practices with its principles. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure compliance with the law and continuously enhance our practices to deliver an unparalleled and secure online shopping experience.
 
–       SUZY PRONSTROLLER, REGIONAL LEGAL COUNSEL, ZALORA
The Internet Transactions Act (ITA) plays a crucial role in building trust in online platforms, as more Filipinos go digital. It helps to create a balance between business and consumer interests while ensuring a fair landscape, particularly for MSMEs. We commend the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for championing the ITA’s development, and we are committed to supporting the growth and success of the e-Commerce sector.
 
–       DANIEL MAROGY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FOODPANDA
The Internet Transactions Act is a welcome development as it serves as an additional cornerstone in Pick.A.Roo’s mission of bridging the gap between businesses & Filipino households. As we welcome the implementation of such, Pick.A.Roo reaffirms its commitment of having safety & security stand as pillars in every digital transaction moving forward.
 
–       MR. ERIC BATAGA, CHIEF OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF PICK-A-ROO
The Internet Transaction Act revolutionizes e-commerce by merging economic growth with environmental sustainability, establishing a new standard for a prosperous and greener future.
 
–       MR. SAM BAUTISTA, USAID SPEED
As a platform that connects our consumers and merchants, as well as our partner drivers, Lalamove applauds the signing of the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) of 2023 as it is a major step from the government in solidifying the protection of online consumers and merchants, which is aligned to the values that we uphold in Lalamove.
 
–       DJON NACARIO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, LALAMOVE PHILIPPINES
We welcome the enactment of the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping a secure e-Commerce ecosystem in the country. 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.
 
–       CARLOS BARRERA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, LAZADA PHILIPPINES
The ITA is responsive to the needs of the market and helpful to the growth of Philippine e-commerce. We are grateful to the DTI and Congress for working closely with the industry in developing this policy.
 
–       CLARE AMADOR, META’S HEAD OF PUBLIC POLICY, PHILIPPINES AND THAILAND
Shopee is dedicated to providing its users with a safe, reliable, and enjoyable online shopping experience. We fully support the government’s efforts to promote a more trustworthy e-commerce landscape through the Internet Transactions Act. We thank the Department of Trade and Industry for the opportunity to participate in industry consultations, and we look forward to working closely together to support the continued growth of the Philippines digital economy.
 
–       VINCENT LEE, HEAD OF SHOPEE PHILIPPINES
The PLDT Group hails this landmark legislation, which will further strengthen the country’s digital economy by enhancing relationships between online merchants and online consumers. This will help ensure the safety and security of internet transactions, which are the building blocks of a dynamic e- commerce ecosystem.
 
–  MR. ALFREDO S. PANLILIO, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PLDT AND SMART, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GROUP AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIVATE SECTOR ADVISORY COUNCIL (PSAC), UNDER THE DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PILLAR
The ultimate goal has always been the development of electronic commerce. This legislation is a big step towards that goal as it provides a legal landscape that safeguards consumers without stifling the growth of businesses with unnecessary and burdensome regulations. The additional powers and mandate of the DTI are also crucial. They will not just help in enforcement but also in building trust in the system by protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses.
 
–       ATTY. MARIA OFELIA LEAÑO, LEGAL POLICY OFFICER, UPLC

Date of release: 07 December 2023