Philippine Retailing Newsletters 2018 PRA eNewsletter 2018 Q4 | Page 3

4TH QUARTER 2018 PRA continues to serve as the “pulse and voice” of retail in gov’t consultations and discussions As part of its duty to be the pulse and voice of the retail industry, the PRA is actively participating in discussions and consultations on proposed laws affecting retail to ensure that the stand of the industry is heard and considered. Some of the current laws proposed and deliberated in either the Congress or Senate are: 1. HB 4595 and SB 1639 - amending the RA 8762 Retail Trade Liberalization Act 2. SB 1003-Parking Fees Regulation Act 3. Consultations on the IRR of the RA 10962 Gift Check Act of 2017 4. SB 759 - An Act prohibiting merchandising stores and service establishments from charging more than the cash retail price of goods and services Cover Story PRA NEWS AND UPDATES purchased with credit cards and prescribing penalties for any violation thereof 5. SB 766 - An Act banning supermarkets, food establishments and other similar businesses from throwing away and spoiling unsold food PRA bucks bill on parking fees In a similar development, the PRA sent its position paper from member malls and shopping centers regarding the SB No. 1003 which will be adversely affected by the proposed law if enacted. The bill seeks to make standard parking fee to P40.00 for a maximum of 8 hours and overnight parking fee of P100.00 per vehicle. Furthermore, the bill also provides for a free parking for 3 hours upon proof of purchase of not less than P1, 000.00 among others. “While we recognize the good intent of the bill which is in favor of consumer and shoppers, the PRA is unified in respectfully objecting to the passage of the Parking Fees Regulation Act as we deem it is discriminatory and violative of the equal protection clause under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and violative of property rights under the Civil Code of the Philippines, among others.” the position paper reads. During the third quarter membership meeting, PRA President Rosemarie Ong urged members to feel free to express their comments on the issues so that the PRA can voice out their concerns “I encourage everyone to let us know your thoughts on relevant matters so we can continue to act effectively on your behalf,” she said. To show appreciation to its loyal and active members, the PRA has recognized and honored PRA members who have stayed with the organization for two decades, as well as those who have actively participated and supported PRA activities and initiatives in 2017, as follows: COLLINS INTERNATIONAL CORP. AYALA LAND INC. BICKMORE SALES CORP. DBA HARRISON PLAZA DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES EVER MALLS INTERIOR CRAFTS JIMAC INC. JUST JEWELS DIAMONDS BOUTIQUE CORP. K SERVICO TRADE, INC. LIBERTY COMMERCIAL CENTER, INC. MERCURY DRUG CORP. MERRIAM & WEBSTER BOOKSTORE NATIONAL BOOK STORE PENSHOPPE PRINCE RETAIL GROUP OF COMPANIES QUORUM INTERNATIONAL ROBINSONS RECREATION CORP. RUSTAN COMMERCIAL CORP. SARABIA OPTICAL SGV & CO. SHANGRI-LA PLAZA CORP. SM RETAIL INC. SPORTSHOUSE SWATCH STORES & SWATCH KIOSK TESORO’S MARKETING CORP. THE FRENCH BAKER WILCON DEPOT INC. ZENCO SALES, INC. MERCURY DRUG CORP. IRRIPLE, INC. PRIMER GROUP OF COMPANIES NATIONAL BOOKSTORE, INC. ANTHEM SHOPPES INC. CITISTORES, INC. MAGNIFICO JEANS GOURDO’S INC. PAGASA SILVERWORKS SUYEN CORPORATION GIORDANO METRO RETAIL STORES GROUP, INC. RADIUS TELECOMS INC. VOGUE CONCEPTS INC. GOLDEN ABC, INC. WILCON DEPOT, INC. CMG RETAIL INC. TOBY’S SPORTS 3