While all REALTORS^® are government-licensed brokers, majority of the non-REALTOR^® real estate agents in the Philippines are not. Another major difference between them is that the REALTORS^® have taken an oath to abide by the stringent, enforceable REALTOR^® Code of Ethics with Standards of Practice that promote the fair, ethical and honest treatment of all parties in a transaction. Non-REALTORS^® take no such oath and are not morally bound to protect their clients and co-brokers from fraud, misrepresentation and other unethical practices that proliferate in the industry. 

For your peace of mind and as an extra precautionary measure,  make sure to partner with a REALTOR^®.  

Help professionalize the real estate industry in the Philippines.  Deal only with licensed real estate brokers.  When asked for updated license numbers, they should be ready to give them to you.