Angara wants DTI to assist more MSMEs to go online

A senator over the weekend called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to assist businesses to go digital, amid government efforts to register all online businesses with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara on Sunday said the DTI needed to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with assistance for them to be able to sell their products online, with sales still affected by the ongoing quarantines.

"This is as good a time as any to introduce these groups and other MSMEs to selling their products online," Angara said in an emailed statement.

"They should take advantage of this opportunity to tap this market that continues to grow especially now when most Filipinos would rather stay at home than go out."

Micro enterprises are defined as those with total assets worth less than P50,000; cottage enterprises with assets worth P50,001 to P500,000; small with P500,001 to P5 million; and medium from over P5 million to P20 million.

"We encourage our online shoppers to support small businesses, as well as our local industries by buying Philippine-made products," said Angara.

"Everyone needs help during this pandemic and by supporting our local businesses, you also help in saving jobs and reviving the economy," he elaborated.

The statement comes as the BIR set a July 31 deadline for those engaged in online selling to register their business with the taxman, else face the necessary fines.  — DVM, GMA News