8/12/2019 march19.2014 bBill creates E-Commerce Bureau

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/march192014-bbill-creates-e-commerce-bureau 1/2

Bill creates E-Commerce Bureau

A lawmaker is seeking the creation of a Bureau of E-Commerce to address the burgeoning multifarious activities in the e-commerce industry and promote the country asan attractive and safe destination for e-commerce.

Rep. Wes atchalian !"arty-list# Alay Buhay$ filed %ouse Bill &'(' that aims to putup the E-Commerce Bureau# which shall focus and work full time on e-commercedevelopment# international competitiveness and continuing research.

atchalian said the bureau would also maintain statistical data# investigateadministrative complaints against or by stakeholders# monitor and evaluate the e-commerce policies and programs.

According to atchalian# Congress enacted into law Republic Act '()* otherwiseknown as the Electronic Commerce Act of *+++ to facilitate domestic and internationaldealings# transactions through the use of electronic# optical and other similar mediums.

,R.A. '()* recogni ed the role of information and communication technology incommercial trade and in nation building. As such# the E-Commerce ffice of the/epartment of 0rade and 1ndustry was created with the aim of directly supervising the

promotion and development of electronic commerce in the country#2 atchalian said.

atchalian said the E-Commerce Bureau will be a high level office compared to theE-Commerce ffice of the /epartment of 0rade and 1ndustry !/01$ and shall be the

primary policy# planning# coordinating# implementing and regulating office to promote e-commerce industry in the country.

1n pushing for the bill# atchalian cited a 3ielsen survey which revealed that the

"hilippines has at least &&.4 million internet users# representing roughly &+5 of thecountry6s population who are engaged or have the potential to be engaged with onlinetrading.

%e said the e-commerce and 1nternet sectors have evolved rapidly since their earlydevelopment and the government should take active interest and harness the opportunitiesoffered by these emerging technologies.

7nder the measure# the E-Commerce Bureau is tasked to promote and maintain fairand efficient market conduct and effective competition between persons engaged incommercial activities connected with e-commerce.

1t shall likewise promote the universal use of electronic transaction in the

NR # 3410B

MARCH 19, 2014

8/12/2019 march19.2014 bBill creates E-Commerce Bureau

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/march192014-bbill-creates-e-commerce-bureau 2/2

government and general public.

0he Bureau is mandated to foster the development and e8pansion of informationand communications services in the world in collaboration with other countries andinternational organi ations and give technical aid to all prosecuting and law-enforcementofficers and entities of the overnment as well as the court that may re9uest its services.

0he bill directs the E-Commerce Bureau to conduct technical audit and establish astrong and effective regulatory system on online transaction and e-commerce and monitorand evaluate the implementation of e-commerce policies# plans and programs.

1t shall be headed by a /irector to be appointed by the "resident and shall beattached to the /epartment of 0rade and 1ndustry !/01$. !&+$ lvc