Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: September 18, 2026 • Last Reviewed: September 2026
Welcome to MarketKo. By accessing, browsing, registering, or listing items on this platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please review them carefully before using our services.
1. Nature of the Platform
MarketKo is an independent, student-operated peer-to-peer online directory and communication platform created exclusively for members of the University of Southern Mindanao community.
IMPORTANT NON-AFFILIATION DISCLAIMER:
MarketKo is an independent, student-led community project. It is NOT officially affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or operated by the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) administration or its Board of Regents. Use of university email domains is solely for self-contained peer community verification.
Notice on Platform Scope (Philippine E-Commerce Act RA 8792):
MarketKo is not an online store, seller of goods, payment processor, or merchant of record. We do not hold escrow funds, take custody of items, or participate in physical financial transactions. All transactions, agreements, inspections, and hand-offs are concluded directly between individual buyers and sellers.
2. User Eligibility & Account Responsibility
- Campus Affiliation: You must be an actively enrolled student, faculty member, or staff of the University of Southern Mindanao.
- Accurate Information: You agree to provide true, accurate, and current information upon registration and during student verification.
- Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login credentials. Any activity originating from your account is your sole responsibility.
- One Account Per Student: Multiple fraudulent accounts or impersonating another student will result in immediate and permanent account termination.
3. Strictly Prohibited Items & Conduct
To protect students and maintain academic integrity, the following items and services are strictly prohibited on MarketKo:
❌ Academic Dishonesty Materials
Leaked test papers, exam answer keys, unauthorized test banks, or paid academic ghostwriting services.
❌ Illegal Substances & Regulated Items
Narcotics, vape/tobacco to minors, alcoholic beverages, prescription pharmaceuticals, or weapons.
❌ Stolen or Counterfeit Goods
Stolen gadgets, pirated digital media, counterfeit electronics, or items acquired without lawful ownership.
❌ Harassment & Malicious Behavior
Spamming, hate speech, stalking, price gouging on relief donations, or abusive language in chat.
Violations will result in immediate removal of listings, permanent ban from MarketKo, and, in cases of severe academic misconduct or theft, referral to university authorities.
4. Safe Campus Meetup Protocol
Because MarketKo is designed for daylight campus exchanges, all users agree to adhere to safe exchange etiquette:
- Designated Exchange Locations: Meet only in open, populated, well-lit university landmarks such as the USM Library Lobby, CEIT Pavilion, Admin Hallway, or the campus food plaza.
- Daylight Hours: Schedule exchanges during official daylight campus hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
- No Isolated Meetings: Never agree to meet strangers in secluded areas, private dorm bedrooms, or off-campus remote locations.
5. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
MarketKo is provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.
MarketKo, its student developers, volunteer moderators, and university affiliates shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from:
- Disputes or misrepresentations between buyers and sellers regarding item quality, condition, or warranty.
- Non-payment or non-delivery of items agreed upon between private parties.
- Any personal injury, theft, or damage sustained during in-person physical meetups.
6. Modifications & Governing Law
We reserve the right to revise these Terms at any time. Continued use of MarketKo following changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms. These terms are governed by the applicable laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
For questions or reports of violations: kzyubenapoles.ict@gmail.com