In 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enacted several significant laws in the Philippines addressing technology, digital services, and online safety.
These measures aim to modernize the country’s digital landscape, enhance consumer protection, and promote fair competition. Below is a list of these laws, along with summaries and references from local news sources:
1. Republic Act No. 12023 – VAT on Digital Services Law
Signed: October 2, 2024
Summary: This law imposes a 12% value-added tax on digital services provided by non-resident platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, and Lazada. The objective is to level the playing field between local and foreign digital service providers and to bolster government revenue. Educational and public interest services are exempt from this tax.
Source: Presidential Communications Office
2. Republic Act No. 12010 – Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA)
Signed: July 20, 2024
Summary: AFASA aims to combat financial cybercrimes by penalizing activities such as phishing, online investment scams, and unauthorized access to financial accounts. The law seeks to protect consumers from online fraud and enhance the security of digital financial transactions.
Source: Philstar
3. Republic Act No. 11967 – Internet Transactions Act
Signed: March 11, 2024
Summary: This legislation establishes a regulatory framework for e-commerce in the Philippines. It mandates the registration of digital platforms and online merchants with a newly created E-Commerce Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry, aiming to ensure secure and trustworthy online transactions.
Source: Rappler
4. Republic Act No. 11983 – New Philippine Passport Act
Signed: March 11, 2024
Summary: This act modernizes the passport application process by mandating the Department of Foreign Affairs to establish an online application portal and electronic one-stop shop. It also authorizes offsite and mobile passport services to improve accessibility.
Source: Philstar
5. Republic Act No. 11981 – Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act
Signed: February 26, 2024
Summary: The Tatak Pinoy Act aims to enhance collaboration between the government and private sector to produce high-value and sophisticated goods and services. It focuses on driving innovation and technology transfer to boost economic growth and competitiveness.
These legislative measures reflect the Philippine government’s commitment to adapting to the evolving digital environment, safeguarding consumers, and fostering innovation in the technology sector.
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