CUBAO, Quezon City — In a bid to ensure fair competition in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector, the government and private sector have joined forces to strengthen consumer protection through coordinated efforts aimed at curbing unauthorized online selling and promoting a safer digital marketplace.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP), targeting online scams that often prey on consumers’ susceptibility to attractive offers that ultimately turn out to be false or fraudulent.
Filipino Consumers for Reform (Filcore), a newly established non-government organization (NGO) serving as a watchdog and information source, lauded the DTI for remaining steadfast in its commitment. The agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DSAP to support the government’s campaign to enforce fair trade practices and curb online fraud.
The MoU, signed on March 17 in Pasig City, focuses on protecting consumers from illegitimate sellers while supporting legitimate businesses that comply with fair trade standards. Under this partnership, DTI and DSAP will collaborate on information sharing, consumer education, and capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen accountability and trust in online transactions.
Filcore secretary-general and spokesperson Tracy Cabrera highlighted the move as an acknowledgment that effective e-commerce governance requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, as the government cannot achieve it alone.
DTI E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) director Atty. Eryl Royce R. Nagtalon emphasized that safeguarding consumers in the digital economy is a shared responsibility. He added that beyond addressing unauthorized sellers, the broader goal is to restore confidence in online platforms:
“The goal of this partnership is not only to address unauthorized online selling of direct selling companies’ products. More importantly, it is about building trust in the digital marketplace.”
Cabrera also noted that this initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act, which mandates the DTI to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition in e-commerce.
“This will reinforce the need for ethical business practices as more companies shift to digital platforms. It also reflects a shared vision of a digital marketplace built on trust, accountability, and responsible innovation,” Cabrera said.
He added: “As the direct selling industry continues to embrace digital platforms, collaboration between the private sector and government is essential to safeguard consumers, protect legitimate businesses, and elevate the standards of e-commerce in the country.”
elamigo/xf
