HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo and several other lawmakers are set to file on Aug. 12, 2024, a resolution asking the House of Representatives to investigate the "unfair" selling of appliances from abroad.

Tulfo warned that the selling of cheap imported appliances could lead local manufacturers to close shop.

"If this happened, hundreds of thousands of workers would be jobless," the lawmaker said.

Tulfo said that some businessmen sought his help over the sale of allegedly substandard and fake products at lower prices.

"These businessmen pay their taxes and follow rules, but they are the most affected and could go bankrupt," he said.

The local manufacturers who sought his help collectively employ about 300,000 Filipino workers, Tulfo said.

"Let's not wait for them to close shop before we take action," the lawmaker said.

He clarified that he does not oppose online selling but insisted that it must be done in accordance with laws.

Tulfo, through the resolution, said that most of the "offshore brands" being sold did not undergo government regulations.

The resolution stated that "the newly enacted Republic Act 11967, otherwise known as the Internet Transactions Act, provides for a regulatory framework that requires players in e-commerce to adhere to specific rules and regulations on the protection and promotion of innovation, competition, secure online transactions, and environmental sustainability."

"Despite this regulatory framework, there have been reports that offshore brands, particularly those from China, have been allowed to directly deliver items to the country ... through online platforms without adhering to the same taxation and regulatory requirements imposed upon domestic appliance manufacturers."

The resolution will be filed by Tulfo and his fellow ACT-CIS Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, along with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.

The lawmakers said that the Department of Trade and Industry "recently raided and seized appliances imported from China and Korea without Import Commodity Clearance stickers," which would prove that the product is safe and of good quality.

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