THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) asked e-marketplaces on Thursday to take down unregistered vape sales listings, invoking their obligations under the Internet Transactions Act (ITA).

In a statement, the DTI said that it informed e-marketplaces, including TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada, in a meeting last week of the penalties under the ITA for non-compliance.

“E-marketplaces must play a crucial role in combating the proliferation of uncertified and illegal vape products,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said.

“We call upon these platforms to fully implement their responsibilities under the ITA by proactively preventing the distribution of illegal vape products,” he added.

Citing the implementing rules and regulations of the ITA, the DTI said that the law obligates e-marketplaces to require sellers to submit proof of registrations and permits.

“In a positive development, the e-marketplaces collectively agreed to voluntarily take down vape listings while they clear their sites of illegal products,” the DTI said.

“They also committed to implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to ensure all online sellers possess the necessary registration and permits,” it added.

The e-marketplaces also pledged to report their initiatives to prevent the promotion, advertisement, sale, and delivery of vape products to minors.

Undersecretary for consumer affairs and legal services Amanda Marie F. Nograles said that the DTI intends to fully enforce the vape regulations in conjunction with the ITA.

“The DTI is steadfast in enforcing compliance with the vape law, especially now with the ITA as one of our legal tools in combating the online sale of illegal vapes,” Ms. Nograles said. 

“We are actively collaborating with online platforms to safeguard consumer interests and public health,” she added.

The DTI has the primary jurisdiction in enforcing Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, also known as the Vape Law. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

MOTOR vehicle industry output in May rose 22.8% to 11,650 units, the second-strongest growth rate in the region, according to the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF).

The AAF reported on Thursday that Philippine production growth outperformed the 9.35% contraction in the region in May.

The AAF report covers motor vehicle production in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Myanmar posted the top growth rate in the region, albeit off a low base, to 213 cars.

Next to the Philippines were Malaysia, which posted 14.2% growth to 74,174 motor vehicles, and Vietnam, up 10.4% at 13,377.

Indonesia booked an 18.1% decline in production to 98,100 vehicles, while Thai output fell 16.2% to 126,161 units.

In the five months to May, Philippine motor vehicle production grew 13.2% to 54,045 cars, also the region’s second-strongest performance in the region.

Myanmar posted the strongest growth during the five-month period, also off a low base, to 843 units.

Following the Philippines was Malaysia, which posted 12.2% growth to 341,500 units in the first five months.

Declines during the period were reported by Indonesia (-20.6%), Thailand (-16.9%), and Vietnam (-8.7%). These brought the region’s motor vehicle production growth for the period to -12% to 1.57 million.

The Philippines booked 5.5% growth in vehicle sales to 40,271 units in May, the fourth highest rate in the region.

Singapore came in first with a 48.4% increase in sales in May to 3,847 units.

Vietnam posted a 24.5% jump in sales to 25,794 units, while Malaysia sales rose 8.7% to 68,665 units.

Sales in Thailand and Indonesia declined 23.4% and 13.3% to 49,871 and 71,263 units, respectively.

These brought regionwide sales in May to a decline of 4.4% to 260,092 units.

For the five-month period, the Philippines posted a 12.7% growth in motor vehicle sales to 187,191 units for the third-fastest growth in the region.

Myanmar posted 70.5% growth to 1,601 units in the five months to May. Malaysia posted an 8.3% increase in sales to 328,901 units.

Declines were posted in Thailand (-23.9%), Indonesia (-21%) and Vietnam (-4.6%) for the period.

In the five months to May, the region’s motor vehicle sales dropped 9.2% to 1.24 million units. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said on Thursday that the P35 wage hike for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) is “reasonable” even though it raises concerns from the chamber’s members.

In a statement, PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said that the group’s members, although they have flagged the wage hike’s negative effects, have pledged to pay the new minimum wage.

“It’s a decision made by the wage board; we will respect and follow that. On the part of PCCI, we will monitor and evaluate its impact on our micro and small enterprises, which we consider the backbone of our economy,” Ms. Mangio said.

She said that businesses will be forced to adjust to higher labor costs, particularly micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

“The increase is fair compared to the previously proposed P100, which was way too much for employers and would likely lead to the closure of businesses and unemployment,” she said.

“I believe it is a win-win decision for both employers and workers. We also recognize how inflation is affecting all of us,” she added.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved a P35 minimum wage hike for workers in the NCR.

To take effect on July 17, the wage hike will increase daily pay for nonagricultural and agricultural workers to P645 and P608, respectively.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has acknowledged that businesses may encounter “challenges” with the recent adjustment, and committed to providing assistance and implementing programs that promote business resilience.

“The DTI is committed to strengthening business resilience and competitiveness, particularly for our small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are more vulnerable to wage increases,” Trade Undersecretary Jose Edgardo G. Sunico said.

“Large enterprises generally have the capacity to pay higher wages, but SMEs often require assistance,” he added.

According to Mr. Sunico, DTI projects include capacity-building initiatives through regular workshops and training sessions, digital transformation programs, market development support through trade fairs, streamlined business processes, and shared service facilities.

“Through these initiatives, we are supporting our SMEs to manage the challenges posed by wage increases,” he said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile