Senator Bam Aquino has urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to review and reconsider its order making “Trustmark” mandatory for all online businesses, calling it an unnecessary burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Philippine Trustmark is a digital badge that serves as government recognition for online merchants and platforms that commit to trustworthiness, safety, and fair e-commerce practices. Under its Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-12, the DTI has given them until December 31 to comply with the Trustmark requirement.
He warned that the policy may discourage MSMEs from bringing their businesses online to digital marketplaces and other platforms.
Aside from imposing an added burden on MSMEs, Aquino said DAO 25-12 contradicts existing laws, such as the Internet Transactions Act (Republic Act 11967) and Ease of Doing Business Act (Republic Act 11032).
Under the Internet Transactions Act, Aquino said the Trustmark is a voluntary program that MSMEs, particularly online sellers, may choose to avail of to boost consumer confidence in online transactions.
The senator also noted that the policy contradicts the Ease of Doing Business Act. Instead of streamlining processes, Aquino said the DTI is adding another requirement that further burdens MSMEs.
Aquino likewise flagged the annual P1,130 Trustmark registration fee, which comes on top of existing business registration costs and further strains MSMEs, particularly those just starting out.
If the government really wants to help online MSMEs thrive, Aquino said the DTI should integrate the Trustmark into the business registration or renewal process and make it free of charge to ease their financial burden and encourage more entrepreneurs to go digital.
Aquino was the author and principal sponsor of the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10644) during his tenure as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.
The law provides MSMEs greater access to markets and financing, offers training and capacity-building programs, and simplifies the business registration process for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their ventures.
