With the two biggest e-commerce platforms in the country becoming proliferated with fake products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is asking said platforms for an official explanation over alleged “deceptive, unfair, fraudulent and unconscionable online sales practices”.
In a statement by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, it claims that the government agency has received complaints over merchants that were selling inauthentic products, including pirated and defective ones, online.
In response to the reports, Pascual has already sent out an official letter asking the two undisclosed platforms to remove the unlicensed and unregistered online sellers.
With repeated notifications already sent out to the two with no claims for a response, Secretary Pascual has given the ultimatum to provide their explanations in 72 hours.
- 44% of DTI consumer complaints are related to online transactions
- Amid rise of online shopping, Pinoy consumers continue to patronize physical stores
The move comes following what appears to be a violation of the e-commerce laws being enforced by the agency as set against the selling of fraudulent products, DTI said.
With Filipino consumers in mind, Pascual iterates the role of the government agency he represents in protecting their welfare and ensuring that transgressors are held accountable.
Additionally, the DTI secretary said that alongside the promotion of e-commerce platforms, the agency is there to guarantee that such platforms are safe for consumers.
Per DTI, the official letter was sent out to the two e-commerce platforms on June 5, 2023.
For reporting any similar violation, the Department of Trade and Industry can be reached by emailing consumercare@dti.gov.ph or making a call to the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384).