The proposed order triggered fears of another layer of bureaucracy for online sellers already struggling with permits, taxes and rising operating costs.
Among the loudest critics was Carlo Ople, an influential technology and business content creator and entrepreneur, who blasted the proposal on social media.
“This is bordering on insanity already,” Ople wrote in the first of a series of viral posts on Facebook that has received thousands of shares.
“You are over-regulating the only source of additional income for a lot of Filipinos,” he added.
He also warned the policy would “make life HARDER for SMEs” and accused regulators of adding burdens to already struggling online businesses.
The backlash also spread rapidly across creator and entrepreneur circles.
The DTI publicly distanced itself from the draft order.
“The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) clarifies that it is not pursuing, implementing, or adopting the drafted Department Administrative Order,” the agency said in a statement posted on its Facebook page on May 23, 2026.
The depart added that the internal draft “does not reflect current policy direction and will not be finalized or enforced.”
Ople later welcomed the DTI’s decision, calling it a win for small businesses and online sellers.
“And this is why it is important to voice out our opinions. Because if we don’t raise hell about stupid policies, it will get passed and we will just suffer,” he said.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
