MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to review and reconsider its order requiring all online businesses to secure a “Trustmark,” saying the policy adds unnecessary burden to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Philippine Trustmark is a digital badge that recognizes online merchants and platforms committed to trustworthy, safe, and fair e-commerce practices. Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-12, the DTI has given businesses until December 31 to comply with the requirement.

“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, warning that the policy could discourage MSMEs from going digital.

Aquino said DAO 25-12 contradicts existing laws such as the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967) and the Ease of Doing Business Act (Republic Act 11032).

Under the Internet Transactions Act, the senator noted that the Trustmark program is voluntary, intended to boost consumer confidence in online transactions. He added that instead of streamlining business processes as mandated under the Ease of Doing Business Act, the DTI’s new order adds another layer of requirements for MSMEs.

“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,” he said.

Aquino also raised concerns about the annual ₱1,130 registration fee for the Trustmark, calling it an added financial strain on small entrepreneurs already dealing with registration costs.

“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 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 authored and sponsored the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10644) as former chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. The law aims to provide MSMEs with market access, financing, and capacity-building support while simplifying business registration for entrepreneurs.