DTI-Bukidnon cracks down on social media promos, flags 5 firms

Five business establishments in the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay have been slapped with show-cause orders by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon provincial office for allegedly running unauthorized sales promotions on social media. INQUIRER FILES MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Five business establishments in the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay have been slapped with show-cause orders by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon provincial office for allegedly running unauthorized sales promotions on social media. The DTI-Bukidnon, through its Consumer Protection Division (CPD), intensified its monitoring after noticing a spike in online promotional offers, including contests and discounts advertised digitally. Junar Merla, DTI-Bukidnon CPD chief, said that digital campaigns must not bypass regulatory frameworks. Article continues after this advertisement READ: House body eyes social media regulation laws Operating a sales promotion without a valid DTI permit violates Article 116 of Republic Act No. 7394. Violators face potential administrative fines ranging from P500 to P300,000 under Article 164, alongside penalties upon conviction under Article 123(b). While the show cause orders demand formal explanations from the establishments to ensure due process, DTI-Bukidnon emphasized that the enforcement actions aim to uphold fair marketplace transparency and protect consumers from unlawful practices. It did not name the five business establishments ordered to explain. The provincial office plans to sustain its monitoring efforts across online and physical platforms./coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.