The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday led the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of two important laws– the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) and the Tatak Pinoy Act.
The ITA was signed into law in December aimed at establishing regulations to ensure data privacy, product standards, safety compliance, and the observance of environmental sustainability in digital commerce. It also seeks to protect online consumers and merchants.
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the ITA is a landmark measure that comes at a time when online buying and selling have become integral to Filipinos’ lives, reflecting the need to balance regulation and development within the e-commerce landscape.
The Act creates the E-Commerce Bureau, which Pascual said will provide the DTI with the resources necessary to fulfill its mandate to guide the orderly development of e-commerce in the Philippines.
“The E-Commerce Bureau will play a crucial role in collaborating with other government agencies to address cross-cutting issues affecting online consumers and the general public regarding internet transactions,” Pascual said.
The Tatak Pinoy Act or the Proudly Filipino Act is expected to increase the diversity, complexity and sophistication of Philippine products and services, according to Pascual.
Enacted on February 26, the Tatak Pinoy Act aims to expand and enrich Filipino products and services.
“Tatak Pinoy is an important step towards growing, expanding, and developing Filipino products and services. Through this law, we can address current challenges and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of industries in the Philippines in the global market.
We aim to produce higher quality products and services and integrate them into the global value chain,” Pascual said.
The Tatak Pinoy Council, led by the DTI and the National Economic and Development Authority, implements the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, which will advance the creation of programs and multi-sectoral initiatives and projects focused on the human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.
