‘PM is the key’: CIA with BA warns against buying items online without prices

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Aug 30, 2024 01:06 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This was made clear in the recent episode of the public service program ‘CIA with BA,’ aired on Sunday, Aug. 25, where Queen Manilyn of the Mariteam voiced her concerns.

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Have you ever encountered the phrase “PM is the key” when browsing for items online? Heads up—this practice is not allowed!

This was made clear in the recent episode of the public service program ‘CIA with BA,’ aired on Sunday, Aug. 25, where Queen Manilyn of the Mariteam voiced her concerns. 

“Tumitingin po ako ng mamahaling bag sa online shop tapos nakita ko walang nakasaad na presyo, tapos nakalagay lang do’n sa page nila, ‘PM is the key.’ Pwede po ba ‘yon?” she asked during the ‘Yes or No’ segment.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano responded directly with a firm “No.”

“Alam mo, nagulat din ako dyan. Ako mahilig ako sa collectibles—basketball cards, jerseys, figurines. Matingin din ako sa internet,” he shared.

He explained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act, in December 2023. This law enforces the state’s policy to promote and maintain a robust e-commerce environment in the Philippines by building trust between online merchants and consumers. 

“Very specific ‘yon [na] sa internet, kailangan ng presyo. So pati sa Consumer Act, nakalagay din do’n na ‘pag ikaw [ay] nagbebenta, dapat merong price ‘yon,” he emphasized.

Senator Cayetano also pointed out that many online sellers might need to be made aware of this requirement or might have reasons for not displaying prices, such as avoiding price canvassing or filtering for serious buyers only. However, he stressed that the law “is meant to protect everyone, and kailangan talaga merong presyo.”

As online shopping grows, sellers and consumers must be aware of their rights and responsibilities. Using "PM is the key" might seem convenient for some sellers, but it goes against legal requirements designed to ensure transparency and protect consumers.

‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.