IRRs for Internet Transaction, Tatak Pinoy Acts signed

FILE: Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual | PHOTO: DTI’s offciial website

MANILA, Philippines — The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Internet Transactions Act (ITA) and the Tatak Pinoy Act were signed on Wednesday, paving the way for the full execution of these two priority laws of the Marcos administration.

The IRR for the ITA, which is seen providing greater protection to consumers and businesses in the online space, was signed in the morning at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) office in Makati.

“The ITA is a landmark measure that comes at a time when online buying and selling have become integral to our daily lives. It reflects our need to balance regulation and development within the e-commerce landscape,” Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said during the signing ceremony.

READ: The Internet Transactions Act of 2023

The ITA, which is part of the Marcos administration’s priority legislative agenda, aims to promote e-commerce transactions while safeguarding consumer rights.

E-commerce bureau

“We are excited about the establishment of the e-commerce bureau, which will provide the DTI with the resources necessary to fulfill our mandate to guide the orderly development of e-commerce in the Philippines,” he added.

The e-commerce bureau, which will be under the DTI, is tasked to create an online business registry that will provide the government and consumers access to information of businesses selling online.

This government bureau is also mandated to establish an e-commerce trust mark, in close collaboration with the private sector.

READ: Tatak Pinoy Act to boost local industries’ competitiveness — DTI

Meanwhile, the IRR for the Tatak Pinoy Act—another priority legislation under Marcos enacted back in Feb. 2024 —was signed later in the afternoon at the same venue.

“The implementation of the Tatak Pinoy strategy will push for the creation of programs and multisectoral initiatives and projects focusing on human resources, infrastructure, technology, and innovation, and sound financial management,” Pascual said in his speech at the separate signing event. INQ