This paper identifies certain policy issues in the current regulatory infrastructure of the Philippines, which may prevent digital platforms from innovating and participating in the global digital economy.
In brief, these policy issues relate to the incoherence between the national innovation strategy of the government and the mishmash of regulations that digital platforms are subjected to. In particular, this relates to investment regulations, as well as regulations on mass media, retail, advertising, logistics, telecommunications, and education. Such landscape has led to a regulatory environment that is unable to provide certainty as to the legality of the activities of Philippine-based digital platforms.
There is a plethora of constitutional, statutory, and policy support for innovation, e-commerce, digitization, and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. However, there is a disconnect between these policies and the environment created by the actual implementation of the regulations.
Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from date of posting.
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