'PM sent' no more: DTI cracks down on online sellers who don't post product prices
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) again reminds online sellers and retailers to disclose prices for products on sale instead of sending private messages to customers.
The DTI recently issued the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01 to consolidate all existing rules and guidelines for online businesses, including the posting of prices.
The Department of Agriculture (DAR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) serve as signatories to the JAO.
"We are firm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.
Under Article 81 of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, store owners are required to include tags, labels, or markings that indicate the prices of goods in retail. The DTI also said that products must not be sold for higher than what was stated.
Previously, the DTI launched an online campaign against the 'PM Sent' culture. In this "shady" practice, online vendors don't disclose the price of products in posts, requiring consumers to inquire via private messages.
Violaters can be faced with fines ranging from P200 to P5,000 and may be imprisoned from one to six months, said the agency.
