Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 16) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured consumers that its recently launched online portal for filing of complaints is safe from hacking, after some government agencies have fallen victim to cyberattacks.
“We are very conscious of cybersecurity, particularly the protection of personal data under our data privacy law so we have technical solutions installed to protect our portals against cyberattacks,” Secretary Alfredo Pascual told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Monday.
Amid recent data breaches in government agencies, the DTI opened its new online platform for faster resolution of consumers’ complaints.
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After a complaint is filed, Pascual said the DTI would conduct an online mediation. Legal action will be filed against the merchant if a resolution is not achieved.
The DTI chief said most of the complaints filed so far are for fake or substandard products, and the merchant not honoring his liability.
From January to September 2023, the DTI said it received around 22,000 complaints through phone calls or e-mails. It added that around 7,300 fell under the department’s responsibilities, while the others were referred to concerned agencies.
