Over P54M worth of goods sold online seized by CIDG for trade violations

MANILA, Philippines — In under three months, while most of the country was under strict quarantine measures, authorities were able to confiscate more than P54.8 million worth of products from violators of online selling.

This was revealed in the hearing of the House committee on trade and industry tacking House Bill No. 6122 or the “Internet Transactions Act,” which seeks to protect consumers and sellers online transactions.

CIDG deputy director for administration Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento on Thursday said the unit has conducted a total of 322 operations against online selling violators from March 17 to June 4, which yielded over P54.8 million worth of products.

“Napakalaki nito. In less than 3 months alone, ito ang aming na-accomplish insofar as ‘yung mga violators sa online selling,” he said in a House panel hearing.

Most products comprise of medical supplies such as face masks and disinfectant alcohol which are currently in demand due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

One of the complaints the CIDG usually receives about e-commerce in the country are the overpricing of “essential and in-demand items,” Armamento said.

There are also instances where online buyers receive items that are different from the item posted online.

Buyers are also scammed by having to pay first for a product that would never be delivered to them, the CIDG official said.

“Maraming nagsasamantala, especially now that we are experiencing a crisis,” Armamento said.

From January to May, the CIDG said it has received over 9,000 complaints on online selling and buying.

EDV