Philippines to review consumer bill, add digital transactions

Today, according to foreign media reports, according to a study by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines should review and update its consumer laws to take into account issues such as the increase in digital transactions and the increase in product testing facilities.

The results of a peer review of the Philippine consumer protection system conducted by a team from the ASEAN Secretariat with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation, regional expert Sathita Wimonkunarak, and national experts Anthony Abad and David Rosario were announced during the meeting yesterday .

According to the virtual meeting meeting results, the Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), became the first country in ASEAN to voluntarily undergo a consumer protection peer review, which aims to measure the policy progress of each ASEAN country towards achieving a common consumer framework in the region.

Abad said one of the peer review recommendations is to amend the Philippine Consumer Code and the Product Safety and Standards Act to update them to suit reality. In addition, the study also saw the need for consumer laws and regulations to cover digital transactions as the use of online platforms continues to increase due to the pandemic .

Abad then stressed that the new laws and regulations should cover the liability of digital platforms, product inspection and warranty, and jurisdiction over cross-border transactions involving foreign sellers. When revising or enacting consumer protection laws, the Philippines must also consider the relationship between these laws and ASEAN.

In addition to amending the consumer protection law, the peer review also recommended that the Philippines allow greater access to product testing centers outside major cities. Currently, according to Abad, there are very few testing centers in the country, with the most reliable facilities located in Metro Manila.

The peer review also recommended increased manpower, training and funding for the DTI, which could be used to strengthen consumer education, complaint resolution and monitoring of consumer-related issues. On the monitoring and enforcement front, Abad said the DTI’s adjudicative role in consumer disputes must be strengthened to allow courts to review damages. The study also encouraged the use of the DTI’s online dispute resolution system.

the Philippines

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Digital Transactions