Environmental and health watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has expressed full support for the enforcement of Republic Act (RA) 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act, noting that the long-awaited measure would significantly curb the rampant online sale of unsafe and toxic products.
“Having monitored the uninhibited sale of many prohibited goods online, we see the law’s implementation like a beaming light at the end of the tunnel,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said in a news release on Thursday.
Grip Bueta, legal counsel of the group, said the law cannot be static and stagnant, and must always adapt to the changing times.
"As the digital e-commerce space continues to grow and as more sellers and consumers transact online, efforts to protect the people's right to a clean and healthy environment -through ensuring safe, non-toxic, and non-hazardous products- must also be enhanced in the internet of things. RA 11967's full effectivity is thus a welcome development," he added.
Enacted by the 19th Congress in 2023, the law officially took effect on June 20, following an 18-month transition period that allowed digital platforms, e-commerce merchants, and other players time to comply with new regulations.
Meanwhile, EcoWaste underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enforcing the law.
Under RA 11967, the E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) will oversee enforcement and coordination with other regulatory agencies.
Meanwhile, under Section 13, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary shall have the power to issue summons and subpoenas to alleged violators or witnesses to compel attendance and the production of documents in investigations or proceedings before the Bureau.
It also has the authority to issue a compliance order in conformity with RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
The DTI also has the authority to issue takedown orders against unlawful online listings and hold platforms jointly liable if they fail to address violations.
EcoWaste Coalition has monitored and tracked dangerous products sold online, including skin lightening products containing mercury, paints and similar surface coatings laden with lead, and other consumer and household products not compliant to regulatory standards.
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