Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has clarified that there are no plans to shut down online market platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, or TikTok. This clarification comes in response to a video posted online that claimed the DOTr would shut down these platforms, potentially affecting the livelihood of delivery riders.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOTr addressed the misinformation in a statement, emphasizing that the video's context was about closing down unauthorized online resellers of Beep cards on the mentioned platforms. The department warned that legal action might be pursued against individuals spreading such misinformation on social media.

The DOTr also encouraged commuters and netizens to be cautious about the information they encounter online and to promptly report those spreading false information. This comes after a joint press conference on August 28, where the DOTr, alongside the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, announced a crackdown on illegal resellers of Beep cards. These cards are reloadable smart cards used for fare payments in the elevated railway system and select bus lines.

The DOTr formally requested online market platforms to remove unauthorized Beep card sales or listings and to delist illegal vendors to avoid being complicit in the violations committed by these sellers.