NTC seeks stop in online sale of SMS blaster machines

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered Facebook, Lazada, and Shopee to stop and explain the sale of SMS or text blaster machines  on their online buy-and-sell platforms.

The NTC order came a week after it launched a probe into the emergency text blasts promoting former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is running for president in 2022. 

The "emergency alert" declares: "Buong Buo and Malasakit sa Bansa. Buong Buhay and Maialay sa taong bayan. Bagong Bukas na Masagana para sa masa. Babangon Muli ang Pilipinas (V) BBM sa bansa. BBM sa taong bayan, BBM sa Masa... BBM Pilipinas  #BBM2022"

Various cellphone users within the area of Harbor Garden Tent at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City received the alert after Marcos filed his certificate of candidacy for president for the 2022 elections.

Marcos' camp has denied that the text blasts were from them and linked it to the demolition jobs supposedly perpetrated by those who want to frustrate his candidacy.

Cease and desist

The NTC said the emergency alert may have come from the illegal operation of “portable cell sites.”

The telecommunications regulator issued show cause with cease and desist orders to Facebook Marketplace, Lazada, and Shopee after it noticed advertisements for the sale of text blaster machines on their shopping platforms.

“The NTC has not authorized the importation, manufacture, sale/distribution, or type approval of the above mentioned equipment,” the NTC said.

It said that the sale of such equipment appears to violate Republic Act 3846 or The Radio Control law and the NTC Memorandum Order 01-02-2013 entitled “The Prohibition of Portable Cellular Mobile Repeater and Portable Cellsite Equipment.”

Facebook, Lazada, and Shopee were directed to appear as respondents before the NTC on October 27 and explain in writing within 15 days from the receipt of the order why it should not be held liable for violations.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said it is illegal for anyone to buy or sell portable cell sites, except the NDRRMC and those allowed by the agency.

In a statement, Lazada said it has removed the products flagged by the NTC.

“Our team does a daily manual sweep for product listings that violate existing policies and these are removed once identified. Strong action is also taken against sellers found breaching our platform's terms and conditions,” it said.

“We also continue to encourage the public to flag such incidents to us. Together, as a vigilant community, we can help maintain a safe and secure online shopping experience for all."

Lazada said it supports the Philippine government's commitment to build a trusted e-commerce economy that protects consumers and businesses and that it would not hesitate to take strong actions against parties found involved in illegal activities that are against local laws and company policies. 

For its part, Facebook said, “Our commerce policies require people to comply with relevant laws and regulations when buying and selling on Marketplace.”

“We will work with the relevant authorities to receive take down requests on any listings that are locally unlawful in the Philippines. When we receive a report from the appropriate legal authority about unlawful content, we will review and take appropriate action,” the social media platform said.

Facebook added that people can report listings or sellers that look suspicious.

“If we determine through either our proactive or reactive efforts that a listing violates any of our Community Standards and Commerce Policies we will immediately remove the listing. We send messaging to users to let them know we have taken action on a listing and offer the opportunity to appeal if they believe the decision has been made in error,” it said. 

“If we see that a person has repeatedly submitted violating listings we may remove their access to Marketplace. We also have an appeals process if someone believes we have removed their access to Marketplace in error,” Facebook added.

GMA News Online also reached out to Shopee for comment, but no response has been received as of this posting. —KBK/VBL, GMA News