Senator Bam Aquino on Thursday welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) decision to defer the implementation of the mandatory “Trustmark” requirement for online sellers, calling it a “relief” for small entrepreneurs navigating the digital marketplace.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa DTI sa kanilang pasya na pansamantalang ipagpaliban muna ang pagpapatupad ng (We are thankful for DTI’s decision to temporarily suspend the implementation of) mandatory Trustmark requirement para sa ating online micro, small, and medium enterprises,” Aquino said in a statement.

“Malaking tulong at gaan ang desisyong ito para mabawasan ang pasanin ng ating (This decision is a huge help and eases the burden of.) online sellers,” he added.

The DTI earlier announced that the Trustmark, a digital badge certifying an online seller’s compliance with safety, fairness, and transparency standards, will remain voluntary until the end of the year. A final decision on whether to enforce it as a mandatory requirement for all e-commerce businesses is expected afterward.

Aquino had previously raised concerns about the Trustmark, warning that making it mandatory could place an undue burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and struggling with inflation.

He stressed that while consumer protection remains important, regulatory measures must not hinder small businesses from thriving in the digital economy.

At the same time, Aquino called on the DTI to intensify its efforts in protecting consumers against fraudulent sellers, especially with the expected surge in online shopping during the holiday season.

“Nananawagan tayo sa DTI na paigtingin pa ang kampanya laban sa mga scam sa online selling platforms, na inaasahan nating tataas ngayong panahon ng kapaskuhan (We are calling DTI to intensify their campaign against scams in online platforms which we expect to boom this Christmas season),” the senator said.

He also reminded the public to stay vigilant when shopping online and to verify the legitimacy of sellers before making purchases.

A longtime advocate for MSMEs and consumer rights, Aquino authored the Go Negosyo Act (Republic Act 10644), which provides aspiring entrepreneurs easier access to financing, training, and streamlined registration processes. The law also supports the establishment of Negosyo Centers across the country to aid small business growth.

Aquino’s push to ease the regulatory load on online sellers is consistent with his broader advocacy to empower small enterprises and ensure inclusive growth in the digital economy.