6 PRA NEWS UPDATES PHILIPPINE RETAILING
PRA backs easing of foreign ownership limits
By Inquirer. Net
The Philippine Retailers Association( PRA) has backed new foreign investment rules that President Marcos signed, allowing foreigners to own up to 40 percent of retail companies with paid-up capital of less than P25 million.
In a statement, the group said that the changes under Executive Order No. 113 strike a“ careful balance” between opening the sector to foreign capital and preserving the competitiveness of local retailers. generation and enhanced consumer access to a wider range of goods and services,” the PRA said.
“ The government’ s reforms seek to ensure that Filipino consumers remain the primary beneficiaries,” it added.
Under new rules, foreign retailers must still meet conditions such as a minimum paid-up capital of P25 million, proof that their home country allows Filipino retailers to operate there and a minimum investment of P10 million per store.
Despite the change, the PRA emphasized that the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 remains in force and must be read alongside the updated Negative List. It described the latter as complementary to the law rather than a replacement.
The PRA noted that the updated Foreign Investment Negative List removes the outright prohibition on foreign ownership in small retail firms.
Still, it retains key safeguards, including reciprocity requirements and minimum investment thresholds for foreign players.“ Such a move may attract more foreign retailers into the Philippine market and create opportunities for increased investment, job business. inquirer. net, 04 / 20 / 26
Crisis prompts Ayala Land to rethink expansion plan
By: VG Cabuag have the resources available when this crisis ends or when new opportunities arise,” he said.
Zobel, however, did not indicate the amount that will be trimmed off from its capex. The company said its capital spending will range from P70 billion to P80 billion this year, lower than the previous year’ s P92.9 billion. Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy, the company’ s president and CEO, said the company is preparing for the worst— the possibility that the effects of the current crisis will linger.
Ayala Land Inc. said it will continue cutting its launches as well as its capital expenditures( capex) this year, as the company is putting on hold its aggressive expansion plan.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, who remained as the company’ s chairman, said Ayala Land is now more focused on ensuring ample liquidity and maintaining the flexibility to act swiftly when the environment improves.
“ The strategy we put in place is to pivot towards leasing. Through expanding our leasing footprint and reinventing our malls and hotels, has become even more relevant under these circumstances, our focus on building a stronger recurring income business is precisely to help us weather disruptions and cycles with more dependable revenue streams,” he said.
He said the company will manage residential launches, which was 42 percent lower last year compared with the 2024 level and reduce its inventory which stood at 19 months.
“ We have also( cut) down our capex plans as part of our balance sheet management. We want to preserve our flexibility so that we
“ Our leasing business is expected to remain on a growth trajectory and will be the primary driver of our company’ s expansion once there is greater clarity in the operating environment, we believe certain segments of property development will recover and grow,” Dy said.
She said Ayala Land’ s estates will continue to serve as the cornerstone for both its leasing and property development activities. Dy said all of the leasing footprint the company plans to build over the next three years will be located within its estates.
“ This approach not only increases the value of our land bank, but also activates the communities we are developing. We foresee that in this period, the share of leasing in our earnings portfolio will increase, making our business more predictable.”
The company reported last February that its net income jumped by 38 percent last year to P39.1 billion from the previous year’ s P28.23 billion, driven mostly by the sale of the Alabang Town Center and the company’ s expanding leasing and hospitality segment.
Consolidated revenues rose 5 percent to P190.2 billion from the previous year’ s P180.73 billion. businessmirror. com. ph, 04 / 23 / 26