The Philippine government and the private sector have joined forces to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition in the country’s fast-growing e-commerce space.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its E-Commerce Bureau (ECB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP) on March 17, 2026, establishing a coordinated effort to curb unauthorized online selling and promote a safer digital marketplace.
The agreement, signed at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, focuses on protecting consumers from illegitimate sellers while supporting legitimate businesses that comply with fair trade standards.
Under the partnership, both parties will collaborate on information sharing, consumer education, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and trust in online transactions.
DTI ECB Director Atty. Eryl Royce R. Nagtalon underscored that safeguarding consumers in the digital economy requires shared responsibility.
“This partnership with DSAP is a recognition that effective e-commerce governance requires collaboration. The government cannot do this alone,” Atty. Nagtalon said.
He stressed that beyond addressing unauthorized sellers, the broader goal is to restore confidence in online platforms.
“The goal of this partnership is not only to address unauthorized online selling of direct selling companies’ products, more importantly, this is about building trust in the digital marketplace,” he added.
The initiative is aligned with Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act, which mandates the DTI to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition in e-commerce.
For its part, DSAP said the agreement reinforces the need for ethical business practices as more companies shift to digital platforms.
“This partnership between DSAP and the DTI E-Commerce Bureau reflects a shared vision of a digital marketplace built on trust, accountability, and responsible innovation,” said DSAP Chairman Joey Sarmiento.
“As the direct selling industry continues to embrace digital platforms, collaboration between the private sector and government is essential to safeguard consumers, protect legitimate businesses, and elevate the standards of e-commerce in the Philippines,” he added.
The DTI said it will continue working with industry stakeholders to ensure that the country’s digital marketplace remains safe, fair, and trustworthy for consumers.