Sen. Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to review and reconsider its order making the Philippine Trustmark mandatory for all online businesses, warning that the policy could place unnecessary strain on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Philippine Trustmark is a digital badge recognizing online merchants and platforms that adhere to trustworthy and fair e-commerce practices. Under DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-12, online businesses have until December 31 to comply with the new requirement.
Aquino urged the DTI to take a closer look at the policy, saying it could discourage small entrepreneurs from going digital.
“Nananawagan tayo sa DTI na busisiin ang requirement para sa online businesses na magkaroon ng Trustmark. Huwag na sana natin silang bigyan ng dagdag na pasanin at tulungan natin silang lumago at umasenso,” he said.
The senator argued that the order contradicts existing laws, including the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967) and the Ease of Doing Business Act (Republic Act 11032).
According to Aquino, the Internet Transactions Act defines the Trustmark as a voluntary program that sellers may choose to obtain to boost consumer confidence, not a mandatory one.
He added that instead of simplifying procedures, the DTI’s move adds another compliance requirement that runs counter to the Ease of Doing Business Act.
“Hindi tayo tutol sa anumang pagkilos para mapalakas ang ating consumer protection, subalit ito’y dapat naaayon sa batas at sa iba pang umiiral na polisiya,” Aquino emphasized.
Aquino also criticized the annual P1,130 Trustmark registration fee, which he said adds to the financial burden of small online sellers.
“Lumilitaw, para na rin itong buwis na dapat bayaran ng ating online traders taun-taon. Hindi ito napapanahon, lalo ngayong mainit ang isyu na napupunta lang sa katiwalian ang buwis na binabayaran ng taumbayan,” he said.
To better support online MSMEs, Aquino suggested that the DTI integrate the Trustmark into the business registration or renewal process and make it free of charge.
“Mas mabuti kung gagawin na lang itong libre ng DTI. Marami na silang matutulungang MSMEs, mahihikayat pa nila ang ibang negosyo na pumasok online para mapalawak ang kanilang merkado,” he added.
Aquino, who authored and sponsored the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10644) as former chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, has long advocated for policies that promote ease of doing business and empower MSMEs through market access, financing, and entrepreneurship training.
