Press Release - Gatchalian champions e-commerce, public-private partnership for economic development

A strong advocate of e-commerce and public-private partnership, Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the importance of the two priority measures recently signed into law by the President in achieving the country's economic goals.

"These two measures, which would provide protection for those engaging in internet transactions and drive investments through active collaboration between the government and the private sector, are important pieces of legislation for economic development and I am elated to learn that the President swiftly signed these into law," said Gatchalian, referring to Republic Act 11967 or the Act Protecting Online Consumers and Merchants in Internet Transactions and Republic Act 11966 or the Act Providing for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code. Gatchalian co-authored both priority measures.

With the Internet Transactions Act now in place, customers and merchants would have the confidence to undertake online transactions. This, in turn, is expected to attract more industry players that would further develop e-commerce in the country.

"Napakahalagang hakbang ng pagsasabatas ng pagbibigay proteksyon sa mga internet transaction lalo na't inaasahan nating mas lalakas pa ang sektor na ito sa mga susunod na taon," he said.

The newly signed law lays down the rights, obligations, and liabilities of the parties in internet transactions, including the online consumer, online merchant, and the digital platform or e-marketplace. The law also empowers the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take appropriate actions in response to any violations of the law's provisions, particularly in the use of the internet for conducting e-commerce by e-marketplaces, online merchants, e-retailers, digital platforms, and third-party platforms. It also provides for the establishment of an online dispute resolution mechanism for all stakeholders involved in internet or e-commerce transactions.

Meanwhile, the creation of a PPP code is expected to enhance and sustain infrastructure development in the country, Gatchalian said.

"Institutionalizing the PPP program would help sustain the momentum of delivering needed public infrastructure to enhance the delivery of public