Senator Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to review its order making the “Trustmark” mandatory for all online businesses, saying it places an unnecessary burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Philippine Trustmark is a digital badge recognizing online merchants who commit to safe and fair e-commerce practices. Under DTI’s Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-12, businesses must comply by December 31.
Aquino warned the requirement could discourage MSMEs from going digital. He added that DAO 25-12 contradicts the Internet Transactions Act (RA 11967), which treats Trustmark as voluntary, and the Ease of Doing Business Act (Republic Act No. 11032), which aims to streamline business processes.
The senator also criticized the annual P1,130 registration fee for the Trustmark, saying it adds financial strain, especially for new online sellers.
He suggested DTI should integrate the Trustmark into business registration or renewal and make it free to support MSMEs and encourage digital entrepreneurship.
“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,” said Aquino, author of the Go Negosyo Act (RA 10644), which simplifies registration, expands market access, and provides training and financing for MSMEs.IMT
