Marcos signs PPP Code, Internet Act while in isolation for COVID-19

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday signed into law the measures on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Code and the Internet Transactions Act.

The Presidential Communications Office said the President was supposed to lead the ceremonial signing in Malacañang but had to sign the measures while in isolation at the Bahay Pangulo.

Marcos has tested positive for COVID-19.

He said the signing of the new laws showed the country’s commitment and readiness to accelerate its development and embrace the digital economy.

Republic Act 11966 or the PPP Code will 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, according to the PCO.

The PCO said the new law would incorporate best practices from decades of experience in implementing the Build-Operate-Transfer Law and will ensure that the country will build better infrastructure projects and mitigate risks during their implementation.

Meanwhile, the PCO said Republic Act 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act will provide the public with mechanisms to confidently embrace the digital economy.

This “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,” the PCO said.

Under the law, an E-Commerce Bureau will be established under the Department of Trade and Industry.

This agency will spearhead the implementation of RA 11967 as well as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 and the Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap.

Both measures were tagged as priorities of the Marcos administration. —NB, GMA Integrated News