online selling – Author Carlo Carrasco

DTI Defers Mandatory Trustmark Due To Backlash From Online Merchants

October 18, 2025October 17, 2025carlocarrasco

In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.

In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it 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,” she said.

The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.

The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.

The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.

Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.

By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Mandatory Trustmark for E-Commerce in the Philippines

September 21, 2025September 12, 2025carlocarrasco

Business in the Philippines with established presence online will be required to get registered for E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (Trustmark) as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that digital verification system for e-commerce will be mandatory, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The digital verification system in e-commerce to ensure reliability of online transactions will no longer be voluntary and instead now mandated for every merchant and platform, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI launched the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark to serve as a digital badge issued to online businesses that comply with fair e-commerce practices.

In July, the department said the trustmark was only “voluntary,” with merchants only “encouraged to apply to build consumer trust.”

The trustmark is designed to help consumers identify legitimate online merchants, thereby safeguarding them from unfair trade practices and threats of scams and other fraudulent activities.

Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-12, the DTI said the trustmark will now be mandatory and also serve as the permit for e-commerce merchants and online platforms to use the internet for conducting their business.

“Issuance of the trustmark shall signify that the products, goods, or services sold online by the holder comply with applicable standards and good e-commerce practices,” the DTI said in the order.

The DTI, headed by Secretary Cristina Roque, said the mandatory registration is a direct response to the recent surge in consumer concerns. Between January and August, the agency reported over 13,000 complaints related to online transactions.

As indicated under DAO No. 25-12, all online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces, or digital platforms availing of the Philippine market over the internet shall apply for and obtain the (Trustmark) by Sept. 30

The DTI said this is to ensure that the merchant or platform is permitted to “use the internet for conducting e-commerce.”

While the order did not explicitly detail potential violations for not having a trustmark, it noted that those who have submitted an application on or before Sept. 30 must clearly state on their page that their trustmark is still pending evaluation and approval.

To apply for the trustmark, interested applicants must submit an application form accompanied by a sworn undertaking to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

E-commerce merchants must meet key regulatory standards, including full business disclosure, protection of consumer data, and an internal redress mechanism to address consumer complaints.

As embodied under the order, the DTI emphasized that Trustmark does not exempt the holder from compliance with other applicable laws or regulations.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? If you are operating a local business with presence online, do you think the mandatory registration for the Trustmark is hassle?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Deadline For E-Commerce Trustmark Registration In The Philippines Set On September 30, 2025

September 20, 2025September 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, businesses that have established their presence online are supposed to get themselves registered for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (Trustmark) and they have until September 30, 2025, to do it, according to a news article by Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Businesses with online presence are given until Sept. 30, 2025 to register for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (Trustmark), a move aimed to address consumer concerns, the Department of Trade and Industry said Thursday.

Online merchants are mandated by the DTI, in a Department Administrative Order, to register for the Trustmark to increase consumers’ confidence on the electric commerce (e-commerce) space and in compliance to Republic Act 11967, otherwise known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023.

“The mandatory registration is also a direct response to the surge in consumer concerns, with DTI recording over 13,000 complaints related to online transactions from January to August 2025,” DTI said in a press release Thursday.

Under the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, consumers may file damage claims against the erring online businesses before the court or the DTI. Penalties have been set, with the third and subsequent violations penalized PHP1 million.

DTI said it has already issued digital badges to several major entities that include Shopee Philippines, Inc. (Shopee), Bytedance Philippines Inc. (TikTok Shop), Lalamove Philippines, Inc. (Lalamove), and LG Electronics Philippines, Inc. (LG).

The others are Asahi Electrical Manufacturing Corporation (Asahi), Cherenz Global Mfg., Inc. (TOUGHMAMA), Concepcion Midea, Inc. (Midea), Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company (Carrier), First Digital Finance Corporation (Billease), Mailtag Ortigas Corporation (DHL Express), Pan-Eurasia Sales Marketing Corporation (Dowell, Edamama and Tefal), QuadX Inc. (Gogo Xpress and ShippingCart), and Tosot Philippines Corporation (Tosot).

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the recent developments? Do you think Trustmark will is good for both the legitimacy of businesses as well as the safety of consumers? Do you own a business with online presence?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Wanted Man Apprehended After Getting Spotted During Online Live Selling

September 19, 2025September 11, 2025carlocarrasco

Believe it or not, a man who was wanted for carnapping and estafa was arrested by the police in Pampanga after he was recognized during an online live selling session, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspect wore a face mask, a cap and sunglasses during the live selling.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the GMA. Some parts in boldface…

A man wanted for estafa and carnapping was arrested after he was recognized by authorities in an online live-selling video.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the informant identified the suspect via the live video through the shape of his face and tattoo on the arm.

“Siya ay naka-face mask, naka-sumbrero, at naka salamin na hindi typikal sa paningin ng ating mga kababayan kapag sila ay nagbebenta o nagla-live selling,” said Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Police Lt. Nadame Malang.

(He was wearing a face mask, a ballcap, and a pair of sunglasses on, which are not a typical appearance for those doing live sellings.)

Authorities were able to trace the location of the live selling at Lubao, Pampanga, which also led to the arrest of the suspect.

The PNP-HPG said the suspect was charged for estafa for fraudulent selling of anime figurines worth P800,000 to P900,000.

One of the alleged victims, who is now based in Australia, shared photos with GMA Integrated News that will prove his transactions with the suspect.

“Nangako po siya na babayaran ako through post dated checks, so nag-isyu po siya ng anim na post dated checks sa akin. Unfortunately po, lahat po ‘yun tumalbog,” he said.

(He promised that he would pay me through post dated checks which he did by issuing six. Unfortunately, all of them bounced.)

“Tinaguan na po kami, hindi na po siya totally nagre-reply sa mga messages ko,” the victim said, adding that there are 40 other victims.

(He hid from us and he was not totally replying to my messages.)

The PNP-HPG called on the other victims to coordinate with them.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does this development make you concerned that there could be crime suspects among the many people who sell online live? Does the arrest of the suspect turn you off from attending online selling sessions? If you recently bought products from online selling sessions, were the good legitimate? Do you know anyone who became a victim of the suspect in the above news story?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Two ex-POGO workers arrested in Las Piñas City for selling fake money online

July 17, 2025July 10, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, local police officers apprehended two persons (both previously worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs) for selling fake money online, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the PNA Some parts in boldface…

Two former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers were arrested for allegedly selling fake money online in Las Piñas City, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) said on Friday.

In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said suspects alias “Usa,” 18, a resident of Cotabato City; and “Agila,” 30, of Zamboanga Del Sur were arrested by the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in an entrapment operation in Barangay Manuyo Dos on Wednesday.

“’Yung dalawang nahuli natin, we can confirm that they are former employees of POGO. Ito ay mga driver ng ating POGO companies. They started selling these fake money nung nag-stop na sila sa POGO (These two we caught, we can confirm that they are former POGO employees … They were drivers of POGO companies. They started selling this fake money when POGOs were shut down),” Yang said.

He said the suspects mainly operated in Metro Manila, according to reports.

In November last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 74, ordering the immediate ban of the Philippine offshore gaming, internet gaming and other offshore gaming operations.

The entrapment operation stemmed from a report by the BSP regarding the rampant online sale of fake currency.

In response, the Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team intensified its cyber patrolling efforts until they came across a social media post by one of the suspects offering a counterfeit PHP1,000 bill for sale at PHP150.

A total of 150 counterfeit thousand-peso bills were confiscated from the suspects, who sold them for PHP22,500 during the operation.

“May online group talaga na nagbebenta. Several groups ito. So, sinumbong namin ito sa ACG (There really are online groups where they sell these. There are several groups. So, we reported this to the ACG),” BPS Payments and Currency Investigation Group officer Mark Fajardo said at the press conference.

“Hindi maganda. Medyo apurahan ang pagkakagawa kasi hindi sila sanay (It’s not good. How it was done seems sloppy because they were not experienced),” Fajardo told reporters when asked about the quality of the counterfeit money confiscated

He said they are able to tell the fake banknotes apart because the watermark on them was more apparent and the security thread was only printed.

When asked whether the police have already determined who had supplied the fake banknotes, Yang said they are looking into a bigger figure.

The suspects are detained at the ACG custodial facility and will be facing charges for violation of Article 168 (Illegal Possession and Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Yang said the operation aligns with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to intensify cyber patrolling and implement immediate action to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting social media platforms.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that the selling of fake money could grow into a serious problem within the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Seller of fake government IDs arrested

May 18, 2025May 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Valenzuela, local police officers arrested a woman who was engaged in the selling of fake government identification cards (including driver’s licenses), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. In its official online update, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the authorities seized from the suspect a mobile phone, a UMID identification card, cash bills, boodle money, and fake ID cards as evidence. The LTO stated that the suspect was also involved in the manufacturing of fake IDs.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Valenzuela City Police, led by station chief Col. Nixon Cayaban, arrested a woman for selling fake government IDs on Wednesday, May 14.

The suspect, identified as “Tere”, 29, a resident of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, was caught in an entrapment operation conducted by the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) and the Northern Police District Anti-Cybercrime Team. Authorities said the suspect was selling fake driver’s licenses and PWD IDs in the city.

Col. Cayaban urged the public to remain cautious, especially when dealing with suspicious online offers, and to report illegal activities to the proper authorities.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian issued a warning to scammers.

“Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela (Scammers are not welcome in Valenzuela).”

“Nawa’y magsilbing babala ito sa lahat ng nagbabalak na manloko sa kapwa ko Valenzuelano. Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela City at sinuman ang magtatangkang gumawa ng krimen kagaya ng pagbebenta ng pekeng government ID ay titiyakin nating mananagot sa batas (May this serve as a warning to anyone planning to deceive my fellow Valenzuelanos. Scammers have no place in Valenzuela City, and anyone who attempts to commit crimes such as selling fake government IDs will be held accountable under the law),” Gatchalian added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that the government lost more than P88 billion worth of taxes in 2023 because of fake Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID cards? Do you think someone in your local community is engaging in the making or selling of fake ID cards? Are there any members of your local community searching for sellers of fake IDs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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BIR expecting to collect billions from online sellers with withholding tax

August 9, 2024August 2, 2024carlocarrasco

With the 1% withholding tax on online sellers already in effect, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) expects to collect billions of Pesos from the said sellers although they could not give an estimate on how much could be collected, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is expecting to collect billions of pesos in taxes from the growing e-marketplace industry after it subjected online sellers under the withholding tax system.

“Itong withholding tax on online transactions, dahil effective na ‘yan, inaasahan natin na malaki rin ang maitutulong nito,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. told reporters at the sidelines of the agency’s 120th anniversary celebration in Pasay City on Thursday.

(The withholding tax on online transactions, since this has been effective, we expect it could help immensely.)

Lumagui said the BIR cannot yet give an estimate how much it can collect from imposing withholding tax on online sellers.

“But, we’re expecting that ‘yung revenues natin diyan would be in the billions,” he said.

The BIR’s plan to impose withholding tax to merchants in e-marketplaces took effect on July 15, 2024.

Under its Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 16-2023, one-half of the gross remittances of e-marketplace operations and digital financial services providers to the sellers or merchants for goods or services paid through their platform shall be subject to a 1% creditable withholding tax.

The BIR, however, said the 1% withholding tax shall not be collected “if the annual total gross remittances to an online seller for the past taxable year has not exceeded P500,000” and “if the cumulative gross remittances to an online seller in a taxable year has not yet exceeded P500,000.”

The withholding tax is the amount withheld by a business in payments of goods or services directly remitted to the government on behalf of suppliers or employees.

The BIR defines “gross remittances” as the total amount received by an e-marketplace operator or digital financial services provider from a buyer or consumer for the goods and services sold by or paid to the seller or merchant through the platform of the e-marketplace operator.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the 1% withholding tax on online sellers will help the BIR collect tens of billions of Pesos more by the end of this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Woman arrested by NBI agents in Muntinlupa City for selling infant online

July 29, 2024July 19, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Muntinlupa, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) arrested a woman for attempting to sell an infant online, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) has arrested a woman in Muntinlupa City caught selling a baby online for P25,000.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said on Thursday that the NBI has received information from the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – NBI CyberTip Center (DOJ-IACAT-NBI Cybertip) regarding a certain Christina Paule who was allegedly engaged in selling babies on Facebook.

The 51-year-old midwife allegedly tried to sell the days-old infant for P25,000 on the social media (platform)

An entrapment and rescue operation by government operatives, with support from non-government organization Exodus Road Philippines, resulted in the arrest of Paule.

She was charged with violation of Child Trafficking under Republic Act 7610, as amended (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and violation of RA 9208, as amended (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 1998).

The rescued baby was turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region.

National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada lauded the government operation.

“This arrest is a crucial step in our relentless fight against child trafficking, and illegal adoption. The NACC is to chair the newly-created DOJ-IACAT-Technical Working Group on Anti-Illegal Adoption,” she said.

“We commend the NBI and all involved agencies for their swift and decisive action. The NACC remains committed to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you think there could still be other people out there engaging in child trafficking and selling infants online?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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BIR’s withholding tax on online sellers in effect

July 23, 2024July 16, 2024carlocarrasco

With the extension of the deadline over, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) withholding tax on online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces (example: Lazada) came into effect recently, according to a Manila Bulletin business new report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has started implementing the withholding tax requirement for online sellers who conduct business on electronic marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.

In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said there will be no further extensions for online merchants to comply with the new withholding tax system outlined in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023.

Under the BIR regulations, e-marketplace operators are mandated to withhold one percent creditable tax on half of the total payments sent to sellers or merchants for products or services sold through their platform.

“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing Withholding Tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” Lumagui said.

Last April, the BIR extended the RR No. 16-2023 deadline until July 14, 2024.

“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under [Revenue Memorandum Circular] RMC No. 55-2024,” the BIR noted.

The previous extension was given to allow e-marketplace operators to comply with the requirements of the BIR and adjust to the provisions of RR 16-2023 before the withholding tax is imposed.

Lumagui also clarified that withholding tax is not a new tax, noting it is a system where taxes are collected in advance and later offset against the seller’s total income tax liability.

“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online marketplaces,” Lumagui said.

“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BIR has given digital financial services providers more time to switch to the new withholding tax system.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you have been selling through the electronic marketplaces, do you think the 1% withholding tax will be a big challenge in the long-term? Have you prepared your business for the withholding tax?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Online sellers arrested in Parañaque City for qualified theft

July 22, 2024July 13, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, two individuals who engaged in selling online were arrested by the local police for qualified theft, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. It turns out that the suspects were found selling hair growth serum which were stolen from someone.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Two online sellers were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police for theft after they were found selling stolen hair growth serum on Tiktok last July 9.

Parañaque City police chief Col. Melvin Montante reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Zerimar, 29, manager and a resident of 8th Avenue, Caloocan City; and Raymark, 21, packer and a stay-in employee at Hosuku Inc. at a condominium located in Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Montante said the owner of Hosuku hair growth serum, alias Yuji, 29, a businessman and a resident of Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, discovered that his hair growth serum product was being sold at a Tiktok account called “Parktikal” for a cheaper price and was registered under the name of alias Jerick, reportedly the common-law husband of Zerimar.

He said the victim inspected his warehouse located at Lot 5A Street, Agueda Queensway, Pascor Drive, Barangay Santo Nino, Parañaque City at around 5:35 p.m. and discovered one box of his product containing 300 pieces of 30ml bottles of the hair growth serum worth P105,000 at the locker of Zerimar.

The victim told the police that prior to the inspection of his warehouse, he also saw Raymark bring the box of stolen items inside the locker of Zerimar who was her cousin.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think there could be thieves selling stolen products online while secretly residing in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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