PBBM signs two ‘priority’ bills into law

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two priority bills into law while in isolation as he battled COVID-19 illness for the third time, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Marcos highlighted that the Public-Private Partnership Code of the Philippines and the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 demonstrate the nation's dedication and preparedness to hasten its progress and adopt the digital economy.

The Chief Executive was supposed to be present for a ceremonial signing at Malacañang on Tuesday. However, the positive coronavirus test result prompted Marcos to approve the measure while in quarantine at his residence in Bahay Pangulo.

According to Malacañang, Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP law would "establish a stable and predictable environment for collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the gaps in the infrastructure systems and also free up much-needed resources to enable the government to pursue other equally important projects and initiatives."

Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 would make help the country embrace digital commerce by helping uphold fair business practices.

The ITA, or "An Act Protecting Online Consumers and Merchants Engaged in Internet Transactions, Creating For This Purpose the Electronic Commerce Bureau, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and For Other Purposes", highlights the government's efforts to not only protect consumers and merchants, but also harness e-commerce as a tool for growth and development as it upholds fair business practices, fosters innovation, and institutes effective mechanisms for dispute resolution.

It also establishes the E-Commerce Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry which will spearhead the implementation of the law, as well as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 and the Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap.