ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Erwin Tulfo today called for an inquiry into the influx of substandard and uncertified goods being sold through online platforms, raising concerns about the unfair competition faced by local businesses.
Speaking during a House Committee hearing, Tulfo highlighted the plight of the Association of Small Domestic Appliances of the Philippines (ASDAP), an organization representing local housewares and appliance brands. He emphasized that these companies, employing over 300,000 Filipinos, are being undercut by foreign online sellers who bypass regulations and safety standards.
“This is not just an issue of competition; it’s an issue of fairness and survival,” Tulfo asserted. “Local manufacturers are being forced into an uneven playing field, unable to compete with unregulated goods that evade taxes and safety standards.”
Tulfo pointed out the hypocrisy of expecting local businesses to comply with strict laws and pay their fair share of taxes while foreign online sellers operate with impunity. He questioned how goods lacking basic safety certifications can be allowed to compete with rigorously tested and regulated products.
“This imbalance is not just unfair – it’s an assault on the very foundation of our economy,” Tulfo stated. “The consequences of inaction would be dire: the loss of Filipino jobs, the closure of Filipino businesses, and an economy weighed down by unfair practices in favor of foreign counterparts.”
Tulfo, along with other lawmakers, filed a resolution calling for an inquiry in aid of legislation to investigate the issue and propose solutions. The inquiry aims to determine why this unfair competition is happening and identify steps to address it.
“We need to demand accountability from platforms that enable these practices and from the agencies tasked with upholding our laws,” Tulfo stressed. “Let us stand together to ensure that every Filipino business competes on a level playing field. Let us fight for fairness, for justice, and for the future of our industries and our people.”
The inquiry is expected to involve representatives from online platforms like Shopee and Lazada, government agencies responsible for consumer protection and standards, and industry stakeholders. The findings of the inquiry will inform the development of legislation aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting local businesses from unfair practices.
