f
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 184 G
S5>t'uaic
■ l©ffirr of
23 FEB ”6 PS-52
(In Substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 154, 612, 806, 1125, 1250, 1341, 
1424, and 1478, taking into consideration House Bill No. 4)
Prepared by the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship joint with the 
Committees on Ways and Means; and Finance with Senators Gatchalian, Zubiri, 
Estrada, Villar (M.), Marcos, Legarda, Revilla Jr., Villanueva, Go, and Padilla as authors 
thereof.
AN ACT
PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND MERCHANTS ENGAGED IN INTERNET 
TRANSACTIONS, CREATING FOR THIS PURPOSE THE ELECTRONIC 
COMMERCE BUREAU, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Section 1. Short Tide. — This Act shall be known as the "Internet Transactions
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Act of2022".
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote and
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maintain a robust electronic commerce (e-commerce) environment in the country by
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building trust between online merchants and consumers. The State recognizes the
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value and potential of the digital economy to increase competition and improve
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productivity, thus the need to establish secure and reliable e-commerce platforms
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where goods and services are transacted online with appropriate transparency and
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utmost efficiency to encourage the creation of new products, services, business
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models and processes. Towards these ends, the State shall ensure effective regulation
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of commercial activities through the internet or electronic means to ensure that
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consumer rights and data privacy are protected, innovation is encouraged, fair
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advertising practices and competition are promoted, online transactions are secured,
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intellectual property rights are respected, and where product standards and safety are
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observed.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
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a) Business-to-business transaction refers to internet transactions conducted
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over marketplaces that facilitate business-to-business electronic sales of
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new and used merchandise using the internet;
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b) Business-to-consumer transaction refers to the process of selling goods and
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services by businesses to consumers who are end-users, generally for a
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profit;
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c) CompatibiiityrQ^Q^s to the ability of the digital content or digital service to
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function with the hardware or software with which digital content or digital
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services of the same type are normally used, without the need to convert
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the digital content or digital service;
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d) Consumer refers to a person who is a purchaser, lessee, recipient, or
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prospective purchaser, lessor, or recipient of consumer goods, non-financial
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services, technology, advertising or promotion, and other items in e-
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commerce;
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e) Consumer-to-consumer transactions (C2Cs) refer to one-off, petty, or
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occasional low-value transactions of an individual or group of individuals
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with another that are not made in the ordinary course of business of any
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party to the transaction, as may be further defined in guidelines to be issued
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by the Secretary of Trade and Industry;
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f) Cross-Border e-commerce- refers to a commercial transaction where
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physical or tangible goods are carried out by parties belonging to different


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customs borders through online ordering, sale, communication and if 
applicable, payment;
g) Delivery carrier refers to any natural or juridical person engaged in the 
business of providing personal delivery services of food, goods, documents, 
or any other item from one person to another for compensation;
h) Devices refer to equipment or mechanisms designed to serve a special 
purpose or perform a special function;
i) 
Digital content vefevs to data that are produced and supplied in electronic 
form;
j) 
Digital products vefer to goods and services produced and supplied in digital 
form, such as but not limited to, video, audio, applications, digital games, 
and any other software that allows the consumer to create, process, 
download, store, or access digital content, or allows the sharing of the 
same, or any such other interaction with digital content provided by other 
users of the service;
k) Digital service refers to a non-financial service that allows the consumer to 
create, process, store, or access data in electronic form or allows the 
sharing of or any other interaction with data in electronic form uploaded or 
created by the consumer or other users of that service;
l) 
Digital platforms to internet intermediaries or businesses such as but 
not limited to, e-marketplaces, online delivery enterprises, transportation 
booking, tourism booking, entertainment websites and services, music 
products and services, social media, advertising, education, and learning 
products, health websites, and applications, and labor services, among 
others, that match, connect or facilitate interactions and transactions by 
and between any two or more parties to enable them to sell, exchange, 
share, or transact in any convenient manner, non-financial goods, services, 
and digital products;
m) Electronic commerce or e-commerce- refers to the production, distribution, 
marketing, sale, or delivery of non-financial goods and services by 
electronic means;


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n) E-Marketptace refers to a digital platform such as, but not limited to, eBay, 
Amazon, Shopee, Lazada, Carouseli, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, 
and Tiktok, among others, whose business is to connect online consumers 
and online merchants, facilitating the exchange of information regarding 
products or services for the purpose of entering into an internet transaction 
such as the purchase of goods and services, tangible or intangible, and 
which may or may not provide information or services about payments and 
logistics;
o) £-/?e,7<5//e/'refers to a natural or juridical person engaged in selling goods or 
services, tangible, or intangible, directly to online consumers through 
his/her own website or any other digital platform;
p) Financial regulators refer to the Bangko Sentrai ng Pilipinas (BSP), 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Insurance Commission (IC), 
and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA);
q) Functionality xeHexs to the ability of the digital content or digital service to 
perform its functions according to its purpose;
r) 
Goods refer to physically produced items over which ownership rights may 
be established and whose economic ownership may be passed from one 
institutional unit to another by engaging in transactions;
s) Internet transaction refers to the sale or purchase of goods or services over 
the internet, whether between businesses, households, individuals, 
governments, and other public or private organizations. The goods and 
services are ordered over the internet, but the payment and ultimate 
delivery of the goods or services may be conducted online or offline;
t) 
Interoperability refevs to the ability of the digital content or digital service 
to function with hardware or software different from those with which 
digital content or digital services of the same type are normally used;
u) 
Online consumer refers to a natural or juridical person who may be a 
purchaser, lessee, recipient, or a prospective purchaser, lessor, or recipient, 
of goods and digital products sold, exchanged, leased, or transacted over 
the internet;


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V) Online delivery partner refers to a delivery carrier that performs delivery 
services through an online delivery service platform under contract with a 
digital platform or an E-marketplace;
w) Online delivery service refers to the delivery of food, parcels, or any other 
item, contracted through a digital platform, which may be an application, 
website, webpage, social media account, or any similar means, operated 
by an online delivery service platform;
x) 
Online delivery service platform refers to any natural or juridical person 
engaged in providing online delivery service for a fee through any digital 
platform;
y) 
Online merchant refers to an organization or retailer selling non-financial 
goods or services to customers through an e-marketplace or other digital 
platforms;
z) 
Online media refers to digital media products or services pertaining to 
advertising, gaming, subscription music, and video on demand, available 
through an online platform, application, website, webpage, social media 
account, or other similar platforms operated by the provider, regardless of 
whether the provider is authorized to engage in e-commerce;
aa) Online travel services refer to services that facilitate the reservation, 
purchase, or discounting of flights, hotel accommodations, and vacation 
rental spaces, through an online platform, application, website, webpage, 
social media account, or other similar platform operated by the provider, 
regardless of whether the provider is authorized to engage in e-commerce 
in the Philippines;
bb) Price refers to money or a digital representation of value that is due in 
exchange for the supply of goods, services, digital content, or digital 
service;
cc) Producer refers to the manufacturer or importer of goods, or any person 
purporting to be a manufacturer, who places its name, trademark, or other 
distinctive sign on goods; and
dd) Repair refers to bringing defective goods into conformity with the contract.


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Sec. 4. Scope and Coverage. — Unless otherwise specified, this Act shall apply 
to any stage of all business-to-business and business-to-consumer internet 
transactions, including those related to the following activities:
a) Internet retail of consumer goods and non-financial services;
b) Online travel;
c) 
Online media; and
d) Online delivery;
Consumer-to-consumer transactions shall be exempt from the operation of this 
Act, without prejudice to the application of other laws. Unless expressly specified, 
nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish or deprive the regulatory 
jurisdiction conferred by law upon other government agencies concerning regulated 
services that fall within the scope of e-commerce. Financial products and services, 
digital payments, and payment systems covered under Republic Act No. 11765 (The 
Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act), Republic Act No. 11127 
(The National Payment Systems Act), and Republic Act No. 7653, as amended (The 
New Central Bank Act), shall be excluded from the coverage of this Act.
Sec. 5. Extra-territorial Application. — A person engaging in e-commerce who 
purposefully avails of the Philippine market shall be deemed to be doing business in 
the Philippines and be subject to applicable Philippine laws and regulations, including 
this Act.
One who purposely avails of the Philippine market without establishing any real 
or legal presence in the Philippines shall be required to notify the E-commerce Bureau 
created under Section 7 of this Act for inclusion in the Online Business Registry (OBR) 
established under Section 11 of this Act or may designate a resident agent who shall 
be authorized to receive on their behalf notices or processes in any legal proceeding 
in the Philippines. Subject to guidelines to be issued by the Secretary of Trade and 
Industry, the accessibility of goods and services to consumers in the Philippines shall 
be considered in ascertaining whether one engaged in e-commerce is purposefully 
availing the Philippine market.
Sec. 6. Equal Treatment of Online and Offline Commercial Activities. — Unless 
otherwise specified, this Act shall be construed to ensure that those who engage in e-
commerce may not enjoy any benefit that is more favorable, nor be placed at a
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disadvantage, in relation to other enterprises that offer goods and services offline in 
the Philippines.
CHAPTER 2
E-COMMERCE BUREAU
Sec. 7. Creation of E-Commerce Bureau. — To ensure the attainment of the 
objectives of this Act and promote the growth of e-commerce, the E-Commerce 
Division created by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) under the 
Competitiveness Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on 20 January 
2020 is hereby abolished, and an E-Commerce Bureau under the DTI shall be created 
within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act. The Bureau shall have the 
following powers and functions:
(a) Implement, monitor, and ensure strict compliance with the provisions of 
this Act and the E-Commerce Act of 2000;
(b) Build trust between consumers and sellers by requiring digital platforms, 
online merchants, or anyone else who engages in internet transactions to 
register their business with the Bureau and provide information as 
determined by the DTI E-Commerce Bureau for policy-making and program 
development purposes;
(c) Formulate policies, plans, and programs to ensure the robust and dynamic
development of e-commerce, such as but not limited to the E-Commerce 
Roadmap;
(d) Identify regulatory gaps affecting the e-commerce sector that are not 
sufficiently addressed by this Act or by existing laws or regulations, and 
recommend appropriate executive or legislative measures, including those 
that can be undertaken by the DTI on its own, that foster the growth of the 
sector;
(e) Act as a virtual central unit tasked with receiving and addressing consumer 
complaints on internet transactions, facilitating the speedy resolution of
business and consumer complaints against online merchants, e-retailers,
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online delivery partners, and digital platforms by the respective government 
agency which has jurisdiction over them, and tracking complaints referred 
to or initiated by them to ensure speedy and appropriate action by the 
agency to which such matters have been referred;
(f) Coordinate with, compel, or petition, whenever appropriate, any entity, 
government agency, or instrumentality to take action on any matter that 
may impede e-commerce;
(g) Investigate, motu proprio, and file the appropriate cases for violations of 
any provision of this Act;
(h) Intervene or participate, in a manner as may be appropriate, in cases 
initiated or pending with other regulatory agencies involving e-commerce 
or violations of any provision of this Act;
(i) Monitor internet transactions and undertake consultation with stakeholders 
and affected agencies for the purpose of understanding market behavior in 
order to update policies relevant to online transactions;
(j) Monitor the compliance of other government agencies or instrumentalities 
with the provisions of this Act and the e-commerce roadmap;
(k) Collect, compile, analyze, abstract, and publish e-commerce data for policy 
formulation and program development;
(l) Prepare and conduct periodic studies on e-commerce;
(m) Collaborate with departments of the national government including local 
government units and government-owned or controlled corporations, in 
implementing programs to promote e-commerce, including information, 
education, and campaign, as well as in ensuring a proactive policy regime;
(n) Ensure that those who engage in e-commerce may not enjoy any benefit 
that is more favorable, nor be placed at a disadvantage, in relation to other 
enterprises that offer goods and services offline in the Philippines; and
(o) Collaborate with the financial regulators in protecting online consumers, 
such as but not limited to, facilitating the speedy resolution of complaints 
of online consumers that involve the use of digital financial services as 
provided in applicable law, rules, and regulations, such as but not limited 
to the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act of 2022.
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When necessary, other non-financial regulators, such as law enforcement 
agencies, must also be coopted in a formalized inter-regulator cooperation 
mechanism to address all cross-cutting issues and concerns that affect 
online consumers and the general public.
In the exercise of the above-stated functions, the Bureau, in coordination with 
other government agencies, may convene public consultations or inter-agency 
meetings to ensure multi-stakeholder input in the development of e-commerce 
policies. Government agencies and instrumentalities involved in the maintenance and 
development of the internet infrastructure of the Philippines, such as the Department 
of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National 
Telecommunications Commission (NTC), shall cooperate with the Bureau on issues 
within their respective regulatory jurisdiction that affect the conduct of e-commerce.
Sec. 8. Composition of the Bureau. — The Bureau shall be headed by a Director 
who must have sufficient knowledge and background in e-commerce and online 
transactions, and all the laws and processes related thereto. The Director shall be 
assisted by three (3) Assistant Directors: for policy and administration, for 
enforcement, and for operations.
The Director and all Assistant Directors shall be appointed by the President, 
upon the recommendation of the DTI Secretary, and must be career executive service 
officers with at least five (5) years of government service and relevant experience in 
e-commerce development.
The DTI Secretary shall determine the organizational structure and staffing 
pattern of the Bureau, subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and 
Management Secretary.
Sec. 9. Subpoena. — In the exercise of its powers under this Act, the Director 
of the Bureau shall have the power to issue summons, subpoena ad testificandum, 
and subpoena duces tecum to alleged violators or witnesses to compel their 
attendance and the production of documents in investigations or proceedings before 
the Bureau.
A certification duly issued by the Bureau that a respondent to the subpoena ad 
testificandum and subpoena duces tecum refuses to comply with the same, despite 
due notice, shall be sufficient evidence to authorize the Regional Trial Court to cite the
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respondent with contempt. The Regional Trial Court shall likewise have the authority 
to issue any such order or relief, in order to compel compliance with the subpoena ad 
testificandum and subpoena duces tecum. The Regional Trial Court may, in addition, 
issue a subpoena ad testificandum and a subpoena duces tecum addressed to the 
respondents identical to the subject of the complaint.
Sec. 10. Reguiatory Jurisdiction of the DTI. - As the focal authority of the 
National Government for the development of policies and strategies towards the 
growth of e-commerce, the DTI shall exercise regulatory jurisdiction over e- 
marketplaces, e-retailers, online merchants, and other digital platforms that sell or 
allow the sale of exchange of goods, services, or digital services, and are purposely 
availing of the Philippine market. This includes the authority to promulgate rules and
regulations covering these activities and to impose fines to compel compliance with 
such rules.
Provided, however, the regulatory or rule-making authority of the DTI shall be 
ancillary to DICT and/or any duly constituted regulatory jurisdiction granted to an 
agency by any existing law, such as the BSP and NPC. Further, the DTI shall defer the 
exercise of rule-making or regulatory power to regulatory agencies, unless the agency
declines to exercise its jurisdiction, without legal justification or fails to exercise its 
jurisdiction within a timely manner.
Sec. 11. Oniine Business Registry (OBR). - Within a period of one (1) year 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Bureau shall, in coordination with the DICT, 
establish, manage and maintain an OBR that shall provide government and consumers 
access to data and information of registered online business entities for purposes of 
verifying the validity, the existence of and other relevant information pertaining to 
such business entities.
The DTI, in consultation with the DICT, the National Privacy Commission (NPC), 
the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the Securities and Exchange 
Commission, the Cooperative Development Authority, and other concerned agencies, 
shall issue the rules and regulations to govern the development, management, 
operation, and maintenance of the OBR.
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CHAPTER 3
SUPERVISION OF E-COMMERCE
Sec. 12. Authority to Issue Take Down Order — By its own initiative or upon 
petition of a consumer or other concerned party, that the online sale of goods, 
services, or digital products is violative of this Act, the "Consumer Act of the 
Philippines", or any other related laws, the DTI Secretary, to abate any further 
violations, shall, after due notice and hearing, have the power to;
(a) Issue an order, directing that a website, webpage, online application, social 
media account, or other similar platforms, be taken down, made 
inaccessible in the Philippines, or otherwise be rendered commercially 
inoperative, to abate any further violations. Provided that for websites, 
webpage, online applications, or similar platforms with payment portals, 
only the e-commerce features of the platform shall be the subject of the 
takedown order; and
(b) Issue an advisory on the takedown order of any violating entity to ensure 
that the latter shall be rendered commercially inoperative.
Provided that, the DTI Secretary may immediately issue a provisional take­
down order to prevent grave and irreparable injury to the public when the following 
conditions are present:
(a) When the DTI Secretary finds that a good, service, or digital product is 
imminently injurious, unsafe, or dangerous; or
(b) When the seller under investigation has been previously penalized under 
this section.
Whenever the DTI Secretary orders the take-down, recall, ban, or seizure of an 
illegal product from public online sale or distribution, the seller, distributor, 
manufacturer, or producer thereof shall be given an opportunity to be heard within 
forty-eight (48) hours from the issuance of such provisional order.
The take-down order, whether imposed as a penalty or provisionally granted, 
shall be directed against the e-retailer or online merchant, and a copy shall be 
furnished to the owner or operator of the e-marketplace or digital platform. Copies of 
the order shall likewise be served on entities whose cooperation would be required for
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its enforcement such as but not limited to the duly registered internet service provider 
involved, related payment gateways, and other government agencies.
The order shall remain in effect for a maximum period of thirty (30) days unless 
otherwise extended or made permanent by a judicial order or decision
Sec. 13. Cease and Desist Order. - The Secretary of Trade and Industry, upon 
due notice and hearing, shall have the power to issue an order directing a website, 
webpage, online application, social media account, or other similar platform operating, 
in violation of this Act, the Consumer Act of the Philippines, or any other applicable 
trade or consumer protection laws to desist from marketing or offering non-financial 
goods or services that are accessible in the Philippines. Provided, that the Cease and 
Desist Order shall not apply to the payment portal connected to the website, webpage, 
online application, or similar portal of the violating entity. The Cease and Desist order 
shall remain in effect for a maximum of thirty (30) days unless otherwise extended or 
made permanent by a judicial order or decision.
Sec. 14. Referral of Complaints. - The Bureau shall refer any complaint it 
receives involving violations of other laws committed in the course of e-commerce 
activities to the appropriate regulatory authority for action. If the complaint or violation 
pertains to a violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known 
as the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012," the matter shall be referred to law 
enforcement agencies for an appropriate investigation. In cases where appropriate, 
the DTI may initiate the formal complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority or 
the DOJ. The Bureau shall track any such complaint or referral made to other
authorities and coordinate with them to ensure that the said matters are duly resolved 
within a reasonable period.
Sec. 15. Qualifications to Engage in E-commerce. — The following are 
presumed legally authorized to engage in e-commerce in the Philippines in the 
ordinary course of their trade or business:
(a) An individual who is duly licensed to do business as a sole proprietor with 
the DTI;
(b) A juridical entity that is duly registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), whether as a corporation, a one-person corporation, or 
as a partnership;
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(c) A cooperative that is duly licensed by the Cooperative Development 
Authority (CDA);
(d) A foreign corporation that is duly licensed by the SEC or a non-resident 
single proprietor registered with the DTI to transact business in the 
Philippines; /D/(9i//b|fe,ofthat all foreign-owned partnerships, associations, and 
corporations registered with the SEC and single proprietors registered with 
DTI, shall comply with R.A. 11595, or the amended Retail Trade 
Liberalization Act; and
(e) A non-resident foreign individual or juridical entity who has complied with 
Section 5 of this Act.
A resident of the Philippines who engages in abets, or aids in unauthorized e- 
commerce activities in the ordinaiy course of trade or business shall be subject to any 
appropriate penalty as may be provided by law and shall be held liable in the same 
manner as the party engaged in such unauthorized e-commerce activities.
A person who is authorized to engage in e-commerce in the Philippines and 
who facilitates the sale of goods, digital content, or services by one who is not so 
authorized is deemed primarily liable for any obligation, damage, or fine, that may 
arise from the transaction or the digital product.
A non-resident of the Philippines who engage in e-commerce by purposefully 
availing of the Philippine market may not evade legal liability in the Philippines by 
virtue of non-residency or non-registration and shall be subject to the same obligations 
and liabilities arising from any transaction as those who are authorized to engage in 
e-commerce in the Philippines.
Sec. 16. Business Registration. —
(a) 
To encourage the formation of business enterprises, the growth and 
integrated development of the e-commerce market, and the protection of 
online consumers, all individuals engaged in e-commerce shall register as 
a business either as a sole proprietor, one-person corporation, 
partnership, corporation, or cooperative.
(b) 
Consistent with Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the "Ease of 
Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018,"
all national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) shall
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make easier and available online registration of business permits and
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licenses, particularly for those engaged in e-commerce.
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(c) The SEC, LGUs, and CDA shall submit to the Bureau an annual listing of
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registered enterprises for monitoring and for purposes of maintaining a
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database of online merchants and digital platforms.
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CHAPTER 4
8 
CONSUMER RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
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INVOLVING INTERNET TRANSACTIONS 
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Sec. 17. Code of Conduct — To build trust in internet transactions and to
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protect and uphold the interests of consumers at all times, ail businesses engaged in
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e-commerce are expected to act responsibly, consistent with the following principles:
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(a) Consumers shall be treated with honesty, integrity, and fairness at all times;
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(b) The rights of consumers shall be applied equally;
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(c) Business entities shall refrain from engaging in illegal, fraudulent, unethical,
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or unfair business practices that harm consumers and shall comply with
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applicable laws and regulations, especially the protection of intellectual
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property rights;
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(d) Accurate information about goods and services marketed and sold online
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to Philippine consumers shall be given and made available to consumers;
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(e) Goods and services sold online must conform to Philippine regulatory
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standards;
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(f) The safety of goods and services marketed or sold online must not be
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compromised, and products that have been recalled in the offline retail
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market must not be marketed or sold online;
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(g) Goods and services must be easily accessible, accurately described, and
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promoted through fair advertising and marketing practices;
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(h) Consumers must be given the correct and complete information about costs
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through a sales invoice or an official receipt detailing the particular costs of
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the goods or services purchased, including shipping or delivery charges.
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Hidden charges or additional costs such as customs duties or currency 
conversion charges must be avoided;
(i) The tracking of deliveries must be provided as part of the services of online 
merchants or digital platforms, and goods purchased must be delivered 
within the promised time and in described condition to the address provided 
by the consumer;
(j) A cancellation option must be provided wherein consumers are given the 
opportunity to review their online purchases before finally confirming their 
purchase or withdrawing from a confirmed transaction in appropriate 
circumstances;
(k) Consumer complaints must be dealt with through fair, easy, transparent, 
and equitable mechanisms for consumer redress. If warranted, 
compensation, refund, repair, and replacement should be provided to the 
consumer;
(l) Data privacy laws and regulations, including Republic Act No. 10173, 
otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," and other similar laws 
and regulations, shall be strictly complied with;
(m) The safety and security of online payments and sensitive data shall be 
safeguarded through the use of secure technology and protocols 
including those evidenced by visible trust certificates or any appropriate 
similar certification as may emerge in the future;
(n) The transmission of unsolicited commercial email or bulk email, except 
those subject to the control and discretion of the consumer through readily 
accessible configurations that allow the consumer to choose whether they 
wish to receive or opt out from commercial messages by email or electronic 
means, must be avoided;
(o) The production of fake online reviews or the spreading of wrong 
information about competitors is improper and must be avoided;
(p) Consumers must be educated about the risks of transacting through the 
internet and shall be provided with competent and professional advice; and
(q) Digital platforms must ensure online supplier protection by avoiding anti­
competitive agreements and abuse of dominance practices and by having
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dispute resolution mechanisms. Competing fairly with other businesses and 
adhering to competition principles and all applicable competition laws and 
regulations, including Republic Act No. 10667, otherwise known as the 
"Philippine Competition Act," shall ensure the robust development of e- 
commerce and the economy. Specific obligations may be imposed by the 
PCC to digital platforms to this end.
Whenever appropriate, the DTI shall issue guidelines, rules, and 
regulations including voluntary and binding co-regulation mechanisms considering the 
role, size, and impact of all businesses engaged in internet transactions corresponding 
to international trends, developments, and best practices that it may adopt and 
implement.
Sec. 18. Obligations of E-Marketplaces and other Digital Platforms. —
(a) E-Marketplaces and other digital platforms shall ensure their internet 
transactions shall:
(i) Be clearly identifiable as an e-commerce transaction;
(ii) Identify the person or persons on whose behalf the e-commerce 
transaction is made; and
(iii) Clearly identify any promotional offer including any discount, premium, 
or gift, and ensure that any condition which must be met to qualify for 
it is easily accessible, and presented clearly and unambiguously. Sales 
promotional offers shall have the necessary permit, as applicable, with 
the appropriate government agency.
(b) E-Marketplaces and other digital platforms shall require all online 
merchants, whether foreign or Filipino, to submit the following, prior to 
listing with their platforms:
(i) Name of the online merchant accompanied by at least one (1) valid 
government identification card for individuals or business registration 
documents for juridical entities;
(ii) Geographic address where the online merchant is located;
(iii) Contact details of the online merchant which must include a mobile or 
landline number and a valid e-mail address; and
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(iv) In instances when the online merchant exercises a regulated 
profession, the online merchant shall be required to submit details of 
membership in any professional body or similar relevant institution with 
which the online merchant is registered or otherwise is a member of.
Except for the government identification cards or registration documents 
mentioned under Section ll(b)(i), the information required under this paragraph shall 
be published or posted on the e-commerce platforms for transparency, unless the e- 
marketpiace or e-commerce platform establishes means to facilitate communication 
between online merchants and consumers or provides a link to the OBR on their 
platform.
(c) E-Marketplaces and other digital platforms are mandated to maintain a list 
of all online merchants registered under their platform, which shall be 
regularly verified, as determined by the Bureau. This list shall be submitted 
to the Bureau and updated regularly.
(d) E-Marketplaces and other digital platforms shall not allow the sale of 
regulated goods such as but not limited to chemicals, food, and drugs 
without requiring them to provide their permits and license information, 
and contractually obligating their compliance with sale procedures and 
limitations, and other relevant conditions for the sale as may be imposed 
by any law or local government regulation.
Provide relevant Cross-Border e-commerce data and information to the Bureau 
of Customs, as may be required, to ensure effective border protection, subject to the 
provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Sec. 19. Obligations of Online Delivery Service Platforms. — Online delivery 
service platforms shall exercise due diligence and reasonable care over the goods 
transported by them. The consumer shall file the appropriate civil action for damages 
on account of the platform's failure to exercise the required diligence and care within 
two (2) years from the transaction
Sec. 20. Obligations of E-Retaiiers and Online Merchants. — An e-retailer or 
online merchant of goods, services, or digital products, as defined under this Act, shall 
exercise the following responsibilities:
(a) Ensure that the goods are received by the online consumer:
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(i) In the same condition, type, quantity, and quality as described and 
stated and, in applicable circumstances, possess the functionality, 
compatibility, interoperability, and other features required by the sales 
contract, and are fit for the purpose for which they were intended by 
their nature;
(i) In the same condition, type, quantity, and quality of a sample, picture, 
or model of the goods shown by the e-retailer or online merchant upon 
request of the online consumer, or of additional descriptions or 
specifications provided by the e-retailer or online merchant upon 
inquiries made by the online consumer; and
(ii) It must also be fit for the particular purpose for which the online 
consumer requires them, as communicated to the e-retailer or online 
merchant at the time of the perfection of the contract, and which the 
e-retailer or online merchant has accepted;
(b) All the goods shall:
(ii) Be delivered together with its accessories, including all other packaging, 
installation inclusions, any user manual, or other instructions as 
advertised or described, if applicable, with the relevant information 
stated in the packaging, printed or written in Filipino and/or English; 
and
(iii) Possess qualities and performance capabilities, including functionality, 
compatibility, and interoperability, that are standard and normal in 
goods of the same type, which the consumer may expect given its 
nature and considering any public statement or testimonial made by or 
on behalf of the e-retailer, online merchant, or other persons in earlier 
links of the chain of transactions, including the producer, unless the e- 
retailer or online merchant shows that:
1) The e-retailer or online merchant was not, and could not have been, 
reasonably aware of the statement in question;
2) By the time of the conclusion of the contract, the statement had 
already been corrected; or
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3) The decision to buy the goods could not have been influenced by the 
statement.
(c) Where the e-retailer or online merchant is a digital product provider, it shall 
ensure that the digital product has the qualities and performance features, 
in relation to functionality, compatibility, interoperability, accessibility, 
continuity, and security, which are standard and normal for a digital product 
of the same type as advertised or described.
(d) Where the contract provides that the digital product is to be supplied or 
made accessible to the online consumer over a period of time, the e-retailer 
or online merchant may modify the digital product beyond what is 
necessary for its maintenance, if the following conditions are met:
(i) The contract allows for, and provides a valid reason for, such a 
modification;
(ii) Such a modification is made without additional cost to the consumer; 
and
(iii) The online consumer is informed in a clear and comprehensible manner 
of the modification.
(e) Where the transaction involves a digital platform that offers a performance 
of a service, the e-retailer or online merchant shall ensure the completion 
of the same in accordance with the contract and as advertised.
(f) An e-retailer or an online merchant that operates its own digital platform 
shall:
(i) Publish on its homepage the following:
1) Name of the e-retailer or online merchant;
2) Geographic address where the e-retailer or online merchant is 
located; and
3) Contact details of the e-retailer or online merchant, which must 
include a mobile or landline number and a valid e-mail address to 
ensure direct and efficient communication with consumers.
The foregoing shall be submitted to the Bureau and must be 
accompanied by at least one (1) government identification cards or 
registration documents as valid proof of identity.
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(ii) Take the necessary precautions to protect the data privacy of 
consumers, at all times, in accordance with the Republic Act No. 10173, 
otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," and comply with 
the minimum information security standards set by the E-Commerce 
Bureau and other issuances of relevant government agencies. For the 
avoidance of doubt, e-retailers and online merchants, including 
individuals and firms, shall be covered by the provisions of the Data 
Privacy Act and issuances by the NPC."
(g) Where the e-retailer or online merchant is an online delivery service 
platform, it shall require its consumers to register by showing valid proof of 
identity, and an e-mail address or mobile phone number.
(h) E-retailers or online merchants shall issue paper or electronic invoices or 
receipts for all sales. An electronic invoice or receipt shall have the same 
legal effect as a paper invoice or receipt.
(i) E-retailers and online merchants shall have in place an accessible and 
efficient redress mechanism for handling complaints from their clients.
Any agreement between the e-retailer or online merchant and the online 
consumer is valid only if, at the time of the conclusion of the contract, the online 
consumer has knowledge of the specific condition of the goods, services, or digital 
products and has expressly accepted such condition.
Sec. 21. Rights and Obligations of Online Consumers. —When the online 
merchant is liable to the consumer because of a lack of conformity with the contract, 
the consumer may pursue any of the following remedies:
(a) Repair or replacement of products within 30 days and without charge in 
case of a defect, malfunction, or failure to conform with the warranty. This 
may be extended by conditions that are beyond the control of the online 
merchant/warrantor or his representative by agreement of the parties, 
wherein repairs may be reduced to not less than seven (7) days nor more 
than one hundred eighty (180) days;
(b) Replacement without charge of the product or part, as the case may 
be, where after reasonable attempts to remedy the defect or 
malfunction, the product continues to manifest the same;
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(c) Refund of the amount paid in case the product or similar item is no 
longer available;
(d) A proportionate reduction of the price if the consumer chooses to keep 
the good or digital product despite the lack of conformity with the 
contract, or the termination of the contract with restitution of the price, 
in the following instances:
(i) When repair or replacement is impossible or unlawful;
(ii) The online merchant has not completed repair or replacement 
within a reasonable time;
(iii) When repair or replacement may cause significant inconvenience 
to the consumer;
(iv) When the online merchant has declared, or it is equally clear from 
the circumstances, that the online merchant may not bring the 
goods or digital product into conformity with the contract within a 
reasonable time;
(v) When applicable, the consumer is entitled to withhold the payment 
of any outstanding part of the purchase price until the online 
merchant has brought the goods or digital product into conformity 
with the contract;
(vi) The consumer is not entitled to a remedy to the extent that the 
consumer has contributed to any ambiguity or lack of conformity 
with the contract or its effects;
(vii) When the online merchant remedies the lack of conformity with the 
contract by replacement, the online merchant is entitled to the 
return of the replaced goods or digital products at the online 
merchant's expense, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties;
(viii) When the consumer has installed the goods or digital products in a 
manner consistent with their nature and purpose before the lack of 
conformity with the contract becomes apparent, the costs for the 
removal of the non-conforming goods or digital products, the 
installation of the replacement, and all associated costs shall be for 
the account of the online merchant;
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(ix) In case of goods or digital products that do not conform with the 
contract, the consumer is not liable to pay for the use of the non-
conforming goods or digital products prior to their replacement,' 
and
(x) The consumer may exercise the alternative choice between repair 
or replacement of the purchased good or digital product, unless 
such a choice is impossible, in which case the consumer may 
choose to terminate the contract and return the item, and the 
online merchant shall refund the full amount paid by the consumer.
Sec. 22. Obligations of Consumers of Online Delivery Services. — It shall be 
unlawful for consumers of online delivery services to:
(a) Cancel confirmed orders for the delivery of food or grocery items when the 
said items have already been paid by or are already in the possession of
the Online Delivery Partner or are otherwise in transit to the consumer 
unless:
(i) The consumer uses credit card services as a means for the payment of 
the service and the payment will still be credited notwithstanding the 
cancellation;
(ii) The consumer remits the reimbursement and payment to the online 
delivery partner as a pre-condition for the cancellation of the order; or
(iii) The delivery of ordered food or grocery items will be or was delayed for 
at least one (1) hour from the expected time of arrival due to the fault 
or negligence of the online delivery partner.
(b) Place an order under the name of another person, unless the latter
consented to the same, or placing an order using a fictitious name and/or 
address;
(c) Use the personal information of another person such as, but not limited to, 
name, address, and contact number when registering in online delivery 
service platforms; or
(d) Unreasonably shame, demean, embarrass, or humiliate online delivery 
partner. The consumer may invoke as a defense of good faith, a well-
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founded belief that the online delivery partner had committed a crime or 
caused civil injury towards the consumer.
Sec. 23. Right to Terminate the Contract — If the goods delivered do not 
conform to the contract, the consumer may exercise the right to terminate the contract 
by giving notice to the online merchant, e-retailer, and the e-marketplace, and 
returning the goods received. Where the lack of conformity relates to only some of 
the goods delivered under the contract, the consumer may terminate the contract only 
in relation to the non-conforming good and any other goods which were acquired as 
an accessory to it.
Where the consumer terminates a contract as a whole or in relation to some of 
the goods delivered:
(a) The online merchant or e-retailer shall reimburse to the consumer the price 
paid without undue delay and in any event not later than fourteen (14) 
days from receipt of the notice and completion of inspection of the non- 
conforming goods;
(b) Upon acceptance by the online merchant or e-retailer of the consumer's 
reason for return, the consumer shall return, at the online merchant's 
expense, the goods without undue delay and in any event not later than 
fourteen (14) days from the receipt of the online merchant's notice, 
provided that the online merchant may waive this requirement at any time;
(c) Where the goods cannot be returned because of destruction or loss caused 
by the negligence of the consumer, the consumer shall pay to the online 
merchant the monetary value which the non-conforming goods would have 
had at the date when the return was to be made if they had been kept by 
the consumer without destruction or loss until that date, unless the 
destruction or loss has been caused by a lack of conformity with the goods 
with the contract, within fourteen (14) days from receipt of 
reimbursement;
(d) The consumer shall pay for a decrease in the value of the goods only to the 
extent that the decrease in value exceeds depreciation through regular use. 
The payment for the decrease in value shall not exceed the price paid for 
the goods.
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Sec. 24. Damages. — The online merchant or e-retailer is liable for damages to 
the consumer due to the lack of conformity with the contract of the goods. The 
consumer may claim damages by filing a case before the regular court within two (2) 
years from the relevant time of establishing conformity. The right of damages under 
this Section is without prejudice to the liabilities for damages under the Civil Code, the 
Consumer Act, and other existing laws.
Sec. 25. Online Dispute Resolution. — The DTI shall develop an online dispute 
resolution (ODR) platform which is a point of entry for consumers, businesses, online 
merchants, e-retailers, and digital platforms seeking out-of-court resolution of 
disputes. Where a digital platform does not have an internal dispute resolution 
mechanism, all complaints through an ODR against the digital platform shall be 
accompanied by proof that internal dispute resolutions were exhausted.
(a) The ODR shall be an interactive website, which may be accessed 
electronically and will serve as a low-cost method for redress. The DTI, 
through the Bureau, shall be responsible for its operation, including its 
maintenance, funding, and data security. The ODR platform must be user- 
friendly and must adopt the twin principles of "privacy by design" and 
"design for all," where the privacy of its users is respected, and the ODR 
platform is accessible and usable by all users.
(b) The DTI shall lead in the establishment of the Consumer Network, a 
network of national government agencies that have consumer protection 
mandates and of local government units which shall serve as consumer 
dispute resolution contact points. The Consumer Network shall be headed 
by the Secretary of the DTI, who may appoint an alternate.
(c) Each agency shall designate an office/bureau that shall serve as its ODR 
contact point and communicate its name and contact details to the DTI. 
The DTI Secretary, as head of the Consumer Network, shall confer 
responsibility to the ODR contact points for ensuring that timely and 
competent support is provided for the resolution of disputes relating to 
complaints submitted through the ODR platform.
(d) The ODR platform shall have the following functions:
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(i) Provide an electronic form to registered users through which alternative 
dispute resolution (ADR) entities shall process ODR.
(ii) Provide a mechanism that allows the parties to provide feedback on the 
use of the ODR platform and on the ADR entity that handles their 
dispute; and
(iii) Advocate for the use of the ODR in resolving consumer disputes.
(e) The DTI shall ensure that the information on the website is accurate, up- 
to-date, and provided in a clear, understandable, and accessible way.
(f) Government and private sector entities that provide ADR services and are 
competent to deal with disputes shall be linked to the ODR platform.
(g) Digital platforms and e-retailers shall provide on the homepage of their 
websites and social media pages an electronic link to the ODR platform. 
That link shall be easily accessible to consumers.
(h) The DTI, in consultation with other concerned agencies, shall issue the 
implementing rules and regulations on the development, management, 
operations, and maintenance of the ODR platform.
Sec. 26. Liability of E-Marketpiaces and other Digital Platforms —
(a) Digital platforms/e-marketplaces shall be subsidiarily liable with an online 
merchant or e-retailer to the consumer only to the extent of damages 
suffered by the consumer as a direct result of the transaction, without 
prejudice to liabilities that may incur under the next succeeding paragraph 
or the provisions of other existing laws. The DTI shall prescribe the rules 
for implementing this provision to allow for a speedy and effective remedy 
for the public.
(b) Digital platforms/e-marketplaces shall, for civil or administrative indemnity 
under this Act or existing laws, be held liable with an online merchant or e- 
retailer only under any of the following instances:
(i) If the digital platform/e-marketplace fails to exercise ordinary diligence 
in complying with its obligations under Section 18 hereof, resulting in 
loss or damage to the consumer;
(ii) If the identity of the online merchant, e-retailer, and the digital 
platform/e-marketplace are the same;
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(iii) If the digital platform/e-marketplace fails, after notice, to act 
expeditiously to remove, or disable access to goods or services 
appearing on their platform that they know or should have known to 
be not compliant with the law, or otherwise infringes on intellectual 
property rights; and
(iv) If the digital platform/e-marketplace permits an online merchant or e- 
retailer, not otherwise authorized to do business in the Philippines, to 
offer its goods and services for sale, resulting in loss or damage to the 
consumer.
(c) Digital platforms/e-marketplaces shall not be held liable for their reliance in 
good faith on the accuracy, authenticity, and veracity of an online 
merchant's representations, warranties, or submitted registration 
documents when such information or documents are later proved to be 
inaccurate, false or untrue. Provided, That, digital platform operators can 
show evidence of good faith and that reasonable effort were exerted to 
ascertain the accuracy and reliability of the documents or information 
submitted by such online merchant or e-retailer.
Sec. 27. Digital Payments. — The DTI and the BSP, in collaboration with other 
government agencies, shall develop frameworks to incentivize the use of digital 
payments and promote their education and adoption among businesses and 
consumers. The DTI, in consultation with the BSP and other relevant financial 
regulators, shall issue rules and regulations to implement Sections 12 and 13 of this 
Act.
CHAPTER 5
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PHILIPPINE TRUSTMARK
Sec. 28. E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark. — To provide assurance of safety 
and security in internet transactions, the DTI shall lead the development of an E- 
Commerce Philippine Trustmark, hereinafter referred to as the "Trustmark," which 
may be established and operated by an industry-led private sector governance body.
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The DTI shall periodically assess the effectiveness of the industry-led Trustmark 
in promoting reliable and trustworthy e-commerce services to the public and may opt 
to assume operational control over the Trustmark if it determines that the industry- 
led private sector effort cannot sufficiently achieve the goals of the Trustmark.
CHAPTER 6
’s
N 
FINAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 29. Penalties. —
(a) Any e-marketplace, e -retailer or online merchant, or digital platform found 
guilty of any deceptive, unfair, or unconscionable sales act or practice as 
provided for under Republic Act No. 7394 or the "Consumer Act of the 
Philippines" done through the internet, shall be subjected to a take-down 
order under Section 12 of this Act. Moreover, it shall also be punished with 
a fine equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) up to ten thousand 
percent (10,000%) of the amount of the goods, digital content/service 
offered or sold based on the market price as determined by the Bureau. 
Those found guilty of patently deceptive and unconscionable acts under 
R.A.7394 shall be imposed an additional fine ranging from ten thousand 
pesos (P10,000) to one million pesos (P1,000,000).
(b) Any e-marketplace, e-retailer, online merchant, or digital platform that 
sells, illegal or imminently injurious, unsafe, or dangerous goods, services, 
or digital products shall be subject to a take-down order under Section 12 
of this Act. It shall also be punished with:
(i) A fine ranging from Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhPSO,000.00) to One 
Hundred Fifty Thousand pesos (PhPlSO,000.00) for the first offense.
(ii) A fine ranging from One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos 
(PhP150,000.00) to Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00) for 
the second offense.
(iii) A fine ranging from Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP500,000.00) to 
One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhPl,500,000.00) for the 
third and subsequent offenses.
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(c) Digital platforms, e-retailers, and online merchants found guilty of violating 
Section 18 and Section 20 (f) of this Act shall be punished with a fine 
equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) up to ten thousand percent 
(10,000%) of the amount of the goods, digital content/service offered or 
sold based on the market price as determined by the Bureau, including 
confiscation of the goods as advertised, or the revocation of their licenses, 
or both, at the discretion of the courts or the concerned agency.
(d) Any e-retailer or online merchant who shall willfully or unreasonably refuse 
to provide the remedies under Section 21, shall be subjected to a take­
down order under Section 12 of this Act, and be punished with a fine 
equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) up to ten thousand percent 
(10,000%) of the market price of goods, digital content/service involved, 
as determined by the Bureau, in addition to the payment of the actual value 
of the goods or digital products involved.
(e) Any person who shall violate Section 22 of this Act, shall be punished with 
a fine equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) up to ten thousand 
percent (10,000%) of the market price of goods, digital content/service 
involved, as determined by the Bureau without prejudice to any other 
available remedies under existing laws.
Further, an online merchant or e-retailer who violated any of the 
abovementioned acts while purposely availing the Philippine market and failed to 
register either as a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or cooperative, or has 
failed to give notice to the E-Commerce Bureau under Section 5 of this Act, shall be
imposed a fine based on the table of penalties under existing laws, issuances, rules 
and regulations by relevant agencies.
The application of these penalties shall be without prejudice to the liability of 
the offending party under other laws or regulations. The DTI shall determine a 
schedule of fines that takes into account the gravity of the offense, the size, scope, 
and role of the business, and the need for effective protection and deterrence, and 
shall recommend the same to concerned agencies for implementation.
Sec. 30. Oversight Committee. — There is hereby created a Congressional 
Oversight Committee, hereinafter referred to as the Internet Transactions Act
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Congressional Oversight Committee, to be composed of five (5) members from the 
Senate, which shall include the Chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Trade, 
Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Science and Technology, and Finance, and five (5) 
members from the House of Representatives, which shall include the Chairpersons of 
the House of Representatives Committees on Trade and Industry, ICT, and 
Appropriations. The Internet Transactions Act Congressional Committee shall be 
jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce 
and the House of Representatives Committee on Trade and Industry. It shall meet at 
least every quarter of the first two years and every semester for the third year after 
the approval of this Act to review the implementation of this Act, evaluate the Bureau 
on its functions as the lead agency, determine any inherent weaknesses in the law, 
and recommend the necessary remedial legislation or executive measures: Provided, 
that the Internet Transactions Act Congressional Oversight Committee shall cease to 
exist after five (5) years upon the effectivity of this Act.
The Secretariat of the Internet Transactions Act Congressional Oversight 
Committee shall be drawn from the existing personnel of the Senate and House of 
Representatives Committees comprising the Internet Transactions Act Congressional 
Oversight Committee.
Sec. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of Trade and 
Industry, as may be necessary, shall develop and issue the implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act, in consultation with the relevant government agencies, and 
private sector stakeholders specifically in consonance with the following:
a. Consumer-to-consumer transaction Sec. 3(e);
b. Regulatory Jurisdiction of the DTI (Sec. 10);
In coordination with agencies under Republic Act No. 7394, otherwise 
known as the "Consumer Act of the Philippines", Republic Act No. 7653, 
as amended, otherwise known as "The New Central Bank Act", Republic 
Act No. 8293, as amended, otherwise known as the "Intellectual Property 
Code of the Philippines", Republic Act No. 8799, otherwise known as the 
"Securities Regulation Code", Republic Act No. 9239, otherwise known as 
the "Optical Media Act of 2003", Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known
as the "Tourism Act of 2009", Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as
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C.
d.
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the "Data Privacy Act of 2012", Republic Act No. 10667, otherwise known 
as the "Philippine Competition Act", Republic Act No. 11127, otherwise 
known as "The National Payment Systems Act", and Republic Act No. 11232, 
otherwise known as the "Revised Corporation Code", Republic act 11765 
otherwise known as the Philippine Financial Products and Services 
Consumer Protection Act"
Online Business Registry (Sec. 11);
Business Registration (Sec. 16);
Liability of e-marketplaces and other digital platforms (Sec. 26);
Digital Payments (Sec. 27); and 
E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (Sec. 28).
Within one hundred twenty (120) working days from the effectivity of this Act, 
the Secretary of Trade and Industry, in coordination with other concerned agencies, 
shall develop and issue the abovementioned circulars prescribing guidelines to 
effectively implement the Act. However, failure to promulgate the necessary circulars 
and/or guidelines shall not prevent the effectivity and implementation of this Act.
Sec. 32 Transitory Provisions—
(a) To ensure the continued implementation of programs to promote e- 
commerce, the current e-commerce Division shall continue to exercise its 
functions until such time that the organizational structure and personnel of 
the Bureau have been determined and approved.
All affected officers and personnel of the e-commerce Division shall be 
absorbed by the Bureau without demotion in rank or diminution of salaries, 
benefits, and other privileges.
(b) In order to afford affected online merchants, e-retailers, and digital 
platforms time to comply with the provisions provided herein, there shall 
be a transitory period of twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this act; 
Provided, that during the said twelve (12) month period, the DTI through 
the E-Commerce Bureau shall undertake an advocacy program to inform 
the general public of the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 33. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 34. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the 
remaining provisions of this Act.
Sec. 35. Repealing Clause. — All laws, rules, and regulations, presidential 
decrees, letters of instruction, and other presidential issuances which are incompatible 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or 
modified accordingly.
Sec. 36. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette ov at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation. 
It shall also be published online, through the Official Gazette Online 
(www.officialgazette.gov.ph), and on the website of the DTI (www.dti. gov.ph).
Approved,
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