Online shopping platforms Shopee and Lazada have yet to settle in full P2.73-million worth of fines for various violations between 2019 and 2022, according to Ruth Castelo, undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Castelo said the shopping platforms have elevated their appeals to reduce the fines to the Office of the Secretary.
Castelo added the DTI has imposed 21 fines against Lazada and 10 against Shopee for selling defective products, deceptive and unfair sales practices among other violations during the time of former DTI secretary Ramon Lopez and are for collection.
The biggest fine slapped amounts to P280,000, on Lazada but none of such amount on Shopee.
The two biggest online shopping platforms have been summoned by DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual to explain recent cases of deceptive, unfair, fraudulent, and unconscionable online sales practices.
Pascual is yet to make public the explanation of the companies on the allegations but Castelo earlier said the DTI has noted deceptive sales practices is the number one complain of consumers.
Castelo said most of the complaints remain unaddressed.
