Facing mounting public backlash and appeals from online entrepreneurs, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has decided to defer the mandatory registration for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark and extend its voluntary phase until December 31, 2025.
The announcement was made on October 15 during a town hall meeting, which brought together online sellers, consumer groups, and digital trade advocates to discuss the program’s implementation.
DTI secretary Cristina A. Roque said the decision came after a series of consultations and mounting concerns from stakeholders — particularly small business owners — who warned that the mandatory rule could hurt micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“We used this discussion to hear straight from our stakeholders and learn about their daily concerns,” Roque said.
“Taking their feedback into account means we can improve the Trustmark system to be more useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers. After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone.”
The Trustmark, a government-backed digital badge, certifies online sellers that comply with fair and transparent e-commerce practices, helping consumers identify legitimate merchants.
Since the release of DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-12, which initially required all online businesses to register for the Trustmark by December 31, 2025, the policy has drawn widespread criticism from the public, online sellers, and digital advocates.
Many argued that the program, while well-intentioned, risked becoming a new layer of bureaucracy that could discourage small entrepreneurs from going digital.
Online forums and seller communities raised concerns over the potential cost, compliance burden, and unclear implementation guidelines.
Several consumer and business groups also warned that forcing registration without adequate education and support might undermine participation rather than promote compliance.
Echoing public sentiment, Sen. Bam Aquino called on the DTI to review and reconsider its mandatory Trustmark policy, saying it could stifle the growth of MSMEs and contradict existing laws that promote ease of doing business.
“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,” Aquino said.
Aquino cited the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967), which defines the Trustmark as a voluntary certification, and the Ease of Doing Business Act (Republic Act 11032), which seeks to simplify — not add to — regulatory requirements.
He also criticized the ₱1,130 annual registration fee, saying it adds financial strain to small 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.
Aquino proposed that the DTI integrate the Trustmark into business registration or renewal processes and make it free of charge to encourage MSME participation.
Consumer organizations praised the Trustmark’s intent to protect buyers from fraud, while businesses said it could help weed out illegitimate sellers.
Both sides, however, urged the DTI to invest more in public education and awareness campaigns to ensure widespread understanding and compliance once the rule eventually takes effect.
Participants from DTI regional and provincial offices nationwide reaffirmed their support for a collaborative, balanced approach that promotes both consumer protection and MSME growth.
DTI said the voluntary registration phase will continue until December 31, 2025, after which the agency will review its implementation in early 2026 to decide whether registration will remain optional.
Supplemental guidelines — covering registration fees, business classifications, and process improvements — are being finalized. Online sellers may already apply for certification through https://trustmark.dti.gov.ph.
