Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Pahiram.ph platform, including all subdomains (collectively, the “Platform”), operated by Pahiram Technologies, Inc. (“Pahiram,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), you (“User,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Acceptable Use Policy(collectively, the “Agreements”).

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Pahiram, governed by the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792) and the Civil Code of the Philippines.

2. Account Registration and Eligibility

2.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts under Philippine law to use the Platform. By registering, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

2.2 Account Creation

To access most features, you must create an account by providing accurate and complete information. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the accuracy of your account information.
• Keeping your login credentials confidential.
• All activity that occurs under your account.

You must notify us immediately at support@pahiram.ph if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.

2.3 Account Types

• Individual Accounts— For personal use as a renter, lender, or both.
• Organization Accounts— For businesses and organizations operating rental services through a dedicated subdomain (e.g., org-name.pahiram.ph). Organization accounts are subject to additional terms.

2.4 Identity Verification (KYC)

Lenders must complete identity verification by submitting a valid Philippine government-issued ID before publishing listings. We may require identity verification from renters at our discretion. Accepted IDs include: Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, Philippine National ID (PhilSys), SSS ID, PhilHealth ID, UMID, Voter’s ID, and Postal ID.

We reserve the right to reject, suspend, or revoke verification at our discretion if we suspect fraud, misrepresentation, or violation of these Terms.

3. Platform Role

Pahiram is a marketplace. We are not a party to rental transactions between users.

We provide the technology and infrastructure that enables lenders to list items and renters to book them. We are not the owner, lender, renter, or agent in any transaction. We do not own, inspect, or possess listed items.

While we facilitate payment processing and dispute resolution, the rental agreement is between the lender and the renter. Pahiram is not responsible for:

• The quality, safety, legality, or accuracy of listings.
• The ability of lenders to provide items or renters to pay.
• The truth or accuracy of user-generated content, including reviews.

4. Listing and Booking Terms

4.1 Listings

Lenders are responsible for:

• Providing accurate descriptions, photos, pricing, and availability.
• Ensuring listed items are in safe, working condition.
• Ensuring listed items are legally owned or authorized for rental.
• Complying with all applicable laws, including local government regulations, CAAP regulations for drones, and any applicable licensing requirements.
• Setting clear pickup/return instructions and rental terms.

4.2 Bookings

• A booking is a request from a renter to rent a listed item for a specified period.
• A booking becomes a confirmed rental when the lender accepts the booking and payment is processed.
• Both parties are bound by the listing terms, these Terms, and any additional terms agreed upon through the Platform at the time of booking.

4.3 Pickup and Return

• Items must be picked up and returned at the agreed-upon time and location.
• Both parties should inspect the item at pickup and return. We recommend documenting the item’s condition (photos/video) at both points.
• Late returns may incur additional fees as specified by the lender’s listing terms.

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through the Platform using our supported payment methods: GCash, Maya, bank transfer, credit/debit card, and cash on pickup (where available).

5.2 Escrow

Renter payments are held in escrow by Pahiram (or our designated payment partner) and released to the lender upon successful completion of the rental — specifically, when the item has been returned and no dispute has been filed within the applicable dispute window.

5.3 Service Fees

• Renter Service Fee: A percentage-based fee is added to each booking total and paid by the renter. The exact fee is displayed before payment confirmation.
• Lender Service Fee:A percentage-based fee is deducted from the lender’s payout. The exact fee is displayed in the lender dashboard.

Fee schedules may be updated with 30 days’ notice to affected users.

5.4 Payouts

Lender payouts are processed within a few business days after rental completion via the lender’s selected payout method.

5.5 Taxes

Users are responsible for any taxes applicable to their rental income or expenses. Pahiram may issue relevant tax documentation as required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Lenders earning income through the Platform should consult a tax advisor regarding their obligations.

6. Cancellation Policy

6.1 Renter Cancellation

• Before lender acceptance: Full refund.
• After lender acceptance, before rental start:Refund amount depends on the cancellation window and the lender’s cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict), as displayed on the listing.
• After rental start: No refund unless due to a qualifying circumstance (item not as described, safety issue, or lender no-show).

6.2 Lender Cancellation

• Lenders who cancel a confirmed booking may be subject to penalties, including: reduction in search ranking, cancellation badge on profile, and monetary penalties for repeated cancellations.
• Renters receive a full refund for lender-initiated cancellations.

6.3 Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for cancellations due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, typhoons, government-imposed restrictions, civil unrest, or pandemic-related lockdowns. Affected bookings will receive a full refund or credit at the renter’s choice.

7. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

All users must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

• Listing illegal, stolen, counterfeit, or restricted items.
• Providing false or misleading information.
• Attempting to circumvent the Platform’s payment system (off-platform transactions).
• Harassing, threatening, or discriminating against other users.
• Creating fake accounts or reviews.
• Scraping, data mining, or automated access to the Platform.
• Interfering with the Platform’s operation or security.
• Using the Platform for any illegal purpose.

See the full Acceptable Use Policy for details and enforcement actions.

8. Reviews and Ratings

8.1 Bilateral Reviews

After each completed rental, both the lender and renter may leave a review and rating. Reviews become visible after both parties have submitted theirs, or after 14 days — whichever comes first.

8.2 Review Guidelines

Reviews must be honest, relevant to the transaction, and compliant with our community guidelines. We may remove reviews that contain:

• Hate speech, discrimination, or personal attacks.
• Content unrelated to the rental transaction.
• False or defamatory statements.
• Spam or commercial solicitation.

8.3 No Manipulation

Offering payment, discounts, or other incentives in exchange for reviews is prohibited. Coercing or threatening users to change or remove reviews is prohibited.

9. Dispute Resolution Between Users

9.1 Direct Resolution

Users are encouraged to resolve disputes directly through the Platform’s messaging system.

9.2 Pahiram Mediation

If direct resolution fails, either party may request Pahiram mediation within 48 hours of the rental end date. Pahiram will review available evidence (messages, photos, booking details, inspection records) and make a non-binding recommendation.

9.3 Damage Claims

Lenders may file a damage claim within 48 hoursof item return if the item is returned in worse condition than documented at pickup. Claims must include photographic or video evidence. Pahiram will review the claim and may authorize payment from the renter’s security deposit or payment method, up to the amount of documented damage.

9.4 Escalation

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, users retain the right to pursue resolution through the appropriate Philippine courts or through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) mediation process.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Pahiram’s Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, software, logos, trademarks, and content created by Pahiram, is owned by Pahiram Technologies, Inc. and protected by Philippine intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works of any Pahiram intellectual property without prior written consent.

10.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you create and post on the Platform (listings, photos, reviews). By posting content, you grant Pahiram a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

You represent that you have the right to post all content you submit and that such content does not infringe on any third party’s intellectual property rights.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Philippine law:

1. Pahiram is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform or any rental transaction, including but not limited to: property damage, personal injury, loss of profits, loss of data, or business interruption.
2. Pahiram’s total aggregate liability to you for any claims arising from or related to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the total service fees paid by you to Pahiram in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
3. Pahiram does not guaranteethe quality, safety, or legality of listed items, the truth or accuracy of listings or user content, or the performance of any user’s obligations.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Pahiram Technologies, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform.
• Your violation of these Terms or any applicable law.
• Your rental transactions with other users.
• Your content posted on the Platform.
• Any dispute between you and another user.

13. Termination

13.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting support@pahiram.ph or through your account settings. Termination does not release you from obligations related to pending or completed transactions.

13.2 By Pahiram

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms, Privacy Policy, or Acceptable Use Policy.
• Suspected fraud or illegal activity.
• Repeated cancellations, low ratings, or verified complaints.
• Extended inactivity (12+ months).
• Any reason at our reasonable discretion with 30 days’ notice.

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access the Platform ceases immediately.
• Pending payouts for completed rentals will be processed.
• Pending disputes will continue to resolution.
• Provisions that by their nature should survive (indemnification, limitation of liability, governing law) shall survive termination.

14. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated at least 30 days before taking effect through email notification and/or prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you disagree with the changes, you must stop using the Platform and terminate your account.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms or the Platform that cannot be resolved through Pahiram’s mediation process shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the appropriate courts of the Philippines.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Acceptable Use Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Pahiram regarding your use of the Platform.

16.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16.3 Waiver

The failure of Pahiram to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

16.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights under them without our prior written consent. Pahiram may assign these Terms without restriction.

16.5 Notices

Notices to you will be sent to the email address associated with your account. Notices to Pahiram should be sent to legal@pahiram.ph.

17. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms:

Pahiram Technologies, Inc.
Email: legal@pahiram.ph